Smaragdskolan

Already from the start, there was a vision to design a school that radiated quality. Smaragdskolan, an F-5 activity for approximately 200 students was to be built in a residential area a little outside of Färjestaden’s centre. Together with our client, Mörbylånga Bostads AB, we started thinking of ideas for the students to long for despite the somewhat peripheral location. The end result is exactly as we intended – both children and grown-ups say that they love the place. The quality using a few simple tricks creates a fine balance.

The facade of high quality pine is Sioo impregnated, a new and environmentally friendly surface treatment that quickly gives the wood a beautiful, light grey colour.

An Öland barn with a modern touch

These simple yet robust agricultural buildings are everywhere on Öland—solid wooden walls and pitched steel roofs. We embraced the traditional design but introduced new ideas. The facade, made of high-quality pine, is treated with Sioo, an eco-friendly finish that quickly gives the wood a light grey tone. Large windows let in plenty of daylight and create a sense of transparency. As a nod to its name, Smaragdskolan also features green accent colours at the entrance and in the stairwells.

Flexible environments with the ability to grow

To make the most of the light, we placed the school yard in a south-westerly direction. The building is L shaped in two volumes with the classrooms facing north in one of the volumes. In the other, there is a studio, a library, dining hall and after school activities, spaces that may also be used by other organisations outside of school hours. To allow the school to grow over time, we have made the preparations for a possible extension and the adding of more learning environments.

The colour scheme was chosen due to research that shows that people find those colours peaceful.

Participation offers identity

But let’s go back to the name. To make students feel involved in the new school, the council arranged a naming competition. The winning entry came from class 5C. Their motivation was simple—the school sits near Smaragdvägen, and “it feels good to go to a school named after something as beautiful as an emerald.” The emerald is also a precious gem symbolising growth, harmony, stability, and stamina. Its green colour represents youth and health.

Photo: Bertil Hertzberg

Photo: Bertil Hertzberg

Photo: Bertil Hertzberg

Photo: Bertil Hertzberg

Photo: Bertil Hertzberg

Transparency against exclusion

As is the case with white and blue, the green colour is repeated in the interior design. The colour scheme was chosen due to research that shows that people find those colours peaceful. Inside the school too, we have selected several sound and robust materials such as limestone and terrazzo. We also placed a great focus on transparency. Glass areas instead of walls give the teachers an overview of the activities and create security for the kids. Open, light surfaces prevent bullying and exclusion.