Diabolo modular school - Kraainem

How do you tackle a lack of space at a school without leaving before a construction period of months or even years? After a tender from the municipality of Kraainem, Symobo built a multipurpose space and no less than six classes in a beautiful design in just 2 months.

After a sharp increase in the number of students in the Diabolo school in Kraainem, the need for new classes was high. The municipality launched a tender for a design-and-build formula, which Symobo won with the best offer.

We tailored our design as closely as possible to the needs of students and teachers. In addition, we carried out the technical studies, provided the building permit and completed a building in just 2 months.

A sleek design

Steel containers are often seen as cold and industrial in schools. Symobo made it work. We built two floors: on the ground floor, we opted for the sleek look of steel (anthracite). This is a durable and strong material and won't fade when a ball flies against it, for example. For the first floor, we opted for Thermowood wooden slats. This provides warmth and breaks the industrial look a bit. For the design choices, we thought along with the customer, without losing sight of affordability and the budget.

Teachers and parents also convinced

As a school, you have to take into account a lot of people: a project should be liked not only by the management, but also by teachers, parents and children. Symobo illustrated the project with 3D images, so that the entire “supporters” could see that the project was much more than cold container classes. By installing a wooden façade that breaks the industrial look, the school fits perfectly into its surroundings, a pleasant residential area.

Symobo built the entire building, from the street connection to handing over the keys. The customer was completely relieved.

This project in a nutshell:

• A building with an area of more than 500 square meters
• 2 storeys
• A 250 m2 refectory/multipurpose room
• 4 classes, a first aid room and a CLB class
• 2 toilets
• The building was built as compact as possible and was 90% prefabricated in the factory.
• 2 floors of 250 m2.
• Classes equipped with an efficient ventilation system assisted by heating with heat pumps for a healthy indoor climate.
• Super insulated
• LED lighting throughout the building
• The facade on the 1st floor was equipped with Thermowood slats for a schoollike, softer façade touch

“Symobo built the entire building, from the street connection to handing over the keys.”