Brede school Bonaire

In collaboration with: HL Architecture, Madeco Project Vision

“HL Architecture, in collaboration with the narrative designer Nadia Troeman has won the competition for the design of a new multidisciplinary school in the town of North Saliña, on the island of Bonaire.”

The design accommodates four different communities which when combined form a single cluster for 650 pupils. The individual elements include the Kolegio Papa Cornes and De Pelicaan schools, a kindergarten and a community sports center. Each community has its own place: an atrium building with a central playing area.

Instead of creating 4 separate architectural clusters, each school is part of a strong identity structure which connects and defines them into one building.
This identity is build up of typical Bonairian symbols. Each community stands for 1 of the 4 symbols which in turn not only creates a separate identity for each - which will translate into a clear signage system, but it also shows that they are part of the same ‘Brede School’. In addition the elements of the design are integrated into the site so that architecture, design and landscape are combined to create a playful but strong sense of place .

The essence of the project lies in the climatological approach; the dry and warm climate of the Antilles requires a suitable wind strategy, shaded facades and the use of materials with low heat capacity. The design combines the low-tech knowledge of traditional local construction with innovative ecological techniques to achieve a specific individual energy system for the entire building complex.