Renovation of a secondary school
History and Context
The existing building at Rubenslaan 91 was constructed between 1956 and 1958 as a ULO secondary school. It was designed by Piet Dingemans (1910–1970), a well-known architect from Utrecht. The building stood vacant for at least twenty years and was saved from demolition thanks to the efforts of local residents. Following research by Stichting Mevrouw Meijer, SPO Utrecht and the Municipality of Utrecht decided to renovate the building and add a new extension suitable for housing the Kromme Rijn College (KRC).
Education
The aim of KRC is to support students with internalising behaviour in returning, within a maximum of three to four years, to an appropriate mainstream secondary education setting at the highest achievable level. Based on the educational vision, the school is organised into three distinct clusters: low-stimulus, reduced-stimulus and higher-stimulus environments. This division is directly reflected in the three floors of the existing building. In the higher-stimulus cluster, students are prepared for greater independence and increased interaction with other students in a more dynamic environment.
Renovation
The qualities of the existing building have been preserved and, where they had been lost, restored. High ceilings, wide corridors, a terrazzo staircase and a robust concrete structure continue to define its character. A new internal layout has been developed that fits naturally within the existing structural framework.
The corridor zones retain their monumental character and remain free from visible service penetrations. Ceilings are positioned between the concrete frames, allowing the original concrete structure to remain clearly perceptible within the interior. Although the existing building has no formal listed status, its architectural character strongly reflects the period in which the Kromme Rijn neighbourhood was developed.
New Extension
A robust new volume has been placed against the existing building. Due to the specific programme, the extension is conceived as an independent building volume attached to the existing school. Setbacks and a roof terrace create a sensitive transition towards the gardens of the neighbouring homes.
The concrete bands, distinctive arrangement of the steel window frames and interplay between open and closed façade elements of the existing building served as inspiration for the design of the new façade. The plinth is constructed in light-yellow brick. Façade openings create a rhythmic composition of open and closed surfaces. An additional horizontal façade band visually reduces the scale of the volume and creates a solid balustrade around the roof terrace. The timber façade bands refer to the rhythm of the existing window frames and create a dynamic play of light and shadow.
Sustainability
The greatest environmental benefit has been achieved through the preservation and reuse of the existing building, significantly reducing material use, construction waste and CO₂ emissions. The school has also been brought to an almost energy-neutral standard. The existing structure has been insulated internally and fitted with new aluminium window frames and triple glazing. The building has a high level of airtightness and is equipped with an energy storage system. Additional measures support biodiversity and climate adaptation, including nesting boxes and on-site rainwater retention.
Art
The exterior façade features an artwork by Esmee Seebregts. The installation consists of approximately 430 coloured ‘bricks’ and symbolises both the different stimulus environments within the school and its connection to the Kromme Rijn. The bricks are made from recycled plastic mounted on solid acrylic panels. Their changing appearance throughout the day reflects the way students may experience and respond to their surroundings differently from one moment to the next.
