Vendelsömalm School Building A
From the 1960s, now in new garb
In an understated concrete and wooden structure that is typical of its era, Vendelsömalm School opened in Haninge in 1966. With an aim to “preserve and reuse as much as possible,” the school has now been updated to meet contemporary needs and requirements.
The original Vendelsömalm School consisted of a robust building with a few distinctive and sturdy materials, like untreated concrete and pine, brown linoleum and terrazzo. A minium red accent color added contrast and recurred in the windows and wooden doors. Several renovations and technology installations were then carried out.
“The challenge was to adapt a typical 1960s building to a school’s contemporary requirements regarding acoustics, accessibility and modernity.”
Tove Krogh-Andersen, Lead Architect
A return to the original quality
Vendelsömalm School has 600 students from preschool to ninth grade. In 2018, the school underwent an extensive and necessary renovation, replacing the ventilation and electricity. Tengbom was tasked with renovating and upgrading the main building and modernizing the accessibility and functionality of the floor plan.
“We wanted to retain the feel of the original, with cast concrete on three half-levels,” explains Tove. The 110-meter-long main hall, with its beautiful stairway, holds everything together. At the same time, we wanted to restore the former look of natural materials and recreate them in conversation with a contemporary style.
Greater security with a new floorplan
When we adapted the premises for their purpose, we moved the reception and principal’s office closer to the main entrance. The break room was also moved to improve student safety. The special education classroom, student health, library and teachers’ lounge were all placed centrally in the building.
“Vendelsömalm School isn’t a listed building. However, we brought in one of our restoration architects early on to document and analyze the building,” says Tove. “That study was the basis for several decisions.”
We let in more light
The team installed energy-efficient windows with transoms that resemble the originals, along with awnings and natural-colored facade panels. They also made the main entrance and two schoolyard entrances accessible and replaced the entryways. Inside, they updated all installations and converted the cellar into a fan room. A new elevator now provides access down to the basement floor.
For more light, accessibility and safety, the new doors are glazed. The doors are all orange once again, like the original color. A total renovation of the surfaces entailed new floors, a new false ceiling, acoustic solutions and fresh paint. There is now also a garbage room and a loading yard.
Renewal from historic walls
“The goal was to clean and restore the concrete in the main hall,” says Tove. “We decided to remove the old murals, which students painted with latex paint in the 90s. Unfortunately, it was hard to carry out such an extensive restoration of concrete. Instead, it was painted in concrete-like colors with the preserved rough texture of boards at the base. Old dents and the history on the walls can add a lot of beauty and invigoration.”
The false ceiling in the big main hall features untreated wood, restoring the room’s original concept. The walls in the combined assembly hall and cafeteria now have untreated wood panels, enhancing both aesthetics and acoustics.
Sound is subdued by the building – not the kids
In the open student areas, the team refreshed the original wooden furniture with modern, inviting seating and tables. They designed the adaptable module system for easy adjustments.
“Before, the acoustics problem was solved by telling the kids to be quiet. If it was warm inside, you opened a window. Today, the school has to offer a good, sound environment and ventilation.”
Tove Krogh-Andersen
“The design of the tables and benches allows students to move freely without fixed roles or assigned seats,” says Tove. “The space adapts to different needs and situations. A school should be welcoming to all.”
