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Architects Codesign have converted a Stockholm warehouse into a school with clusters of recycled-glass classrooms inside a former storage facility, filled with colourful chairs and carpets.
To remodel the worn school premises, on a tight budget and a tight time schedule, is nothing new. Doing it together with a visionary client such as Stockholms Stadsmission (a non-profit organization), is a challenge which can only be loved.
The brief was to transform a 1000 m² worn industrial shed, into a functional learning environment in addition to increasing the capacity of the school with an increasing number of students. The concept was to transform the transitory spaces such as the entrance, staircases and corridors, into used spaces.
The public flow takes place between the facade and the classrooms (as opposed to the traditional central spinal corridor with classrooms butted against the façade) making the circulation spaces light and airy. Clearly defined pods, containing classrooms, have been added within the original industrial shed. Pockets for incidental meetings are created between the pods, including informal seating areas and a café. The industrial character has been retained to the greatest extent. This is juxtaposed by the pods which have been given colourful interiors which seep out into the public spaces through the glass skin of the pods and when the doors of the pods are left open.
As the project only has a limited life span (the building will be demolished in a few years time) it was crucial to use recyclable materials where possible. The glass skin of the pods consists of a U-profile glassing system of cast glass, which is already recycled and can be recycled again.
The vinyl flooring can be recycled and the MDF cladding of the pods, can be dismounted and moved. The furniture is likely to outlive the building and will thus follow the school to their new premises, yet unknown.
Codesign are proud to present a project which was finished on time – and 100 000 Euro under budget!