Did you know that Glömstaskolan won Huddinge’s building prize in 2018? Glömstaskolan is a municipal elementary school. It is located at Bergavägen 9 in Glömsta. Glömstaskolan is in Huddinge Municipality near Stockholm. The school building opened in the autumn of 2016. It features an innovative floor plan.
The Glömstaskolan building covers 9500 square meters. It was designed between 2014 and 2016 by Origo arkitekter and Arcona Arkitekter. Huge Fastigheter was the developer. Arcona was the construction contractor. The cost was 220 million kronor. Glömstaskolan’s main building has five floors. It features light facades and irregular window grouping. The ground floor is recessed. This gives the building a floating impression. The architect placed four stairwells outside the facades. This avoids encroaching on valuable space.
The interior of Glömstaskolan is dominated by a large circular light hall. Daylight enters through skylights. The hall connects all floors via two staircases and galleries. All teaching areas are accessed from there. These areas lack corridors and conventional classrooms. Teaching areas are grouped around irregular spaces. These can be furnished and adapted in various ways. Instead of rows of benches, there are beanbags. There are also standing tables and conference tables. Large glass sections towards the light hall maintain contact to the outside.
The more private work areas are on levels 3 and 4. There are also rooms for staff and student care. A library is also on these levels. The dining room is on the ground floor. The Glömstaskolan building is environmentally classified. It is also energy efficient. There are solar collectors on the roof. Outside is the schoolyard. It offers open spaces and playground equipment.
Initially, Glömstaskolan admitted students from pre-school class to year 6. After 2019, the school also offers classes up to year 9. A new school building is planned for pre-school to year 3. Glömstaskolan will eventually accommodate about 800 students.
The jury’s motivation for Huddinge’s building prize in 2018 was significant. The deep building structure receives pleasant daylight through the courtyard. The corridor-less floor plan provides security. It also allows for easy overview. The building gives a cheerful impression. It has bright facades and varied window placement. The schoolyard is exciting. Level differences have been used for play and movement. The yard offers opportunities to participate. But it also allows one to retreat. It stimulates both activity and learning. Glömstaskolan demonstrates a modern school environment. It has adapted to innovative pedagogy. It also reflects research on children’s needs.
Arcona began construction of Glömstaskolan F-3 in the autumn of 2018. This project involved Huddinge Samhällsfastigheter and Arcona. They created a school building for younger students to develop in. Despite the pandemic and delayed deliveries, the building was ready one month early. The new premises were inaugurated at the start of the autumn term.
Arcona previously developed Glömstaskolan F-9. They also built the nearby Glömstahallen sports hall. The new low-level school creates more space. It benefits the elementary school students. They previously shared premises in the large school building. Glömstaskolan F-3 has been certified with Miljöbyggnad Silver. It even received Gold for energy. The building also focuses on comfort. The sound environment is subdued. The air is good. The color scheme is soft and pleasant. There are textile-covered seating steps in each home environment. This contributes to a cozy and child-friendly feeling. The window placement provides fantastic light. This can be blocked with internal sun protection. All windows and glass sections have sun protection.
The schoolyard is a place for learning and activity. It offers an outdoor stage and seating steps. There are also several play areas. Glömstaskolan students influenced the choice of color. They voted on the color of the school’s artificial turf. Glömstaskolan F-3 stood ready for occupancy in late April 2020. The building was handed over earlier than planned. This allowed property owners and operations to adapt the premises. They could do this before the holiday period began.
Glömstaskolan isn’t just a place of learning. It’s a testament to innovative design. It reflects a commitment to sustainability and the well-being of its students.