Chazal School: A Comprehensive Model of Sustainable Architectural Renovation and Environmental Learning

Project Vision: Integrating Energy and Nature

The Chazal School project in Schaerbeek is driven by a clear dual objective. First, the team aims to transform the existing 1970s school building into a pioneering model of energy efficiency. This transformation goes beyond aesthetic renovation, it focuses on enhancing the building’s environmental performance through sustainable architectural techniques and the use of eco-friendly materials.

Reimagining the Schoolyard

Alongside improving the building’s efficiency, the project focuses on redesigning the schoolyard into a green educational space. This interactive environment allows students and teachers to engage with nature in their daily activities. Additionally, the green spaces contribute to improving air quality and creating a calmer, more focused learning atmosphere.

Integration Between Structure and Energy

The project serves as a model of synergy between environmental transformation and architectural performance enhancement. By making use of the existing structure, minimizing demolition, and incorporating prefabricated elements, the project embodies a circular design approach. This not only conserves resources but also strengthens the building’s adaptability and responsiveness to the needs of modern education.

Building Condition Before Renovation

Originally, the school was a compact, non-insulated structure that had never undergone renovation since its construction. Over the years, its aging façades and outdated technical systems became unable to meet modern comfort requirements or sustainability standards, making intervention an urgent necessity.

A Precise and Sustainable Renovation Approach

In response to these challenges, the project adopted a radical yet meticulous intervention. The existing structure was enveloped in a new energy-efficient shell made of prefabricated insulated panels, significantly improving the building’s thermal performance and reducing its energy consumption. This approach reflects a careful balance between preserving the existing framework and updating it to meet contemporary architectural standards.

Preserving the Structure and Giving It New Life

The adopted strategy made it possible to preserve the school’s original structure while giving it a second life that meets the demands of the modern era. On the street side, the new façade is partially enclosed to enhance thermal insulation, yet it still allows natural light to enter the internal corridors, maintaining a sense of comfort and daylight quality.

An Open Façade Facing the Courtyard

On the side facing the inner courtyard, the façade was designed with generosity and flexibility, providing bright, naturally lit classrooms and offices. This design enhances the learning experience and ensures a comfortable environment for both students and teachers.

Upgrading the Internal Systems

Inside, outdated systems were replaced with modern and efficient installations, including:

• Energy-saving LED lighting.
• A dual-flow ventilation system that improves air quality.
• Low-carbon heating to reduce environmental impact.
• Acoustic enhancements for greater auditory comfort within classrooms.

This integrated approach combines sustainability and efficiency, transforming the school into a contemporary educational model that prioritizes both comfort and environmental responsibility.

Reimagining the Schoolyard

At the same time, the schoolyard was reimagined as a central element of the project. Previously a closed and monotonous surface, it has now been transformed into a porous, green, and multifunctional space that embodies an integrated environmental and educational concept.

Water Management and Enhancing Biodiversity

The yard was designed to manage rainwater through open channels and rain gardens, making water visible and tangible for children and enhancing their understanding of the natural water cycle. Biodiversity was also promoted by planting native species and creating natural habitats for plants and insects, fostering environmental awareness among students.

The Yard as an Educational and Recreational Environment

The schoolyard was designed to serve as both a recreational area and an outdoor classroom. It provides a lively educational environment where students can learn through direct interaction with nature, observing plants, soil, and the water cycle in practice, enhancing their understanding of environmental sciences in an interactive and enjoyable way.

Diverse Play Opportunities

Play at the school takes many forms, combining both structured and unstructured opportunities. Structured areas include sports courts and designated play hills, while unstructured opportunities arise from natural elements such as rocks, tree trunks, and shaded gardens.

Promoting Physical Activity and Imagination

Together, these elements provide a wide range of experiences that encourage physical activity and stimulate imagination. They also enhance social interaction among students, making the schoolyard a comprehensive educational environment that integrates learning, play, and self-discovery.

Integration of Energy and Nature

The renovation of Chazal School demonstrates how two layers of transformation, energy and landscape, can mutually reinforce each other. The project minimized demolition, reused the existing structure, and employed prefabricated elements, reflecting a circular design approach that conserves resources and enhances the building’s adaptability.

An Ecological and Educational Schoolyard

By transforming the schoolyard into a lively ecological and educational space, the project enriches the daily life of both students and teachers, providing an environment filled with hands-on experiences and direct observation of nature.

A Model of a Sustainable School

The project goes beyond architectural renovation to become a model of an energy-efficient school deeply connected to its environment. This integrated approach combines sustainability, comfort, and enriching educational experiences, making it a reference for future educational projects.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Chazal School project presents an ambitious architectural experience that combines environmental sensitivity with a modern educational vision, a commendable effort in creating a school environment more connected to nature. However, the overall impression remains somewhat ambivalent when considering its real-world implementation; the strong focus on technical and environmental aspects may make the daily experience for users feel less warm or intimate than it appears on paper. Additionally, the reliance on prefabricated and modular elements, despite their efficiency, may diminish some of the site’s unique human character. Nevertheless, the project remains a serious step toward rethinking schools as lively learning environments, even if it requires further balancing between technical efficiency and a warm architectural spirit.

Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team

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