School “Stroom” - Leuven

New School Building in Leuven

Stroom, an innovative first-grade school in Leuven led by director Willem Schoors, wanted to create a modern and flexible learning environment that stimulates students' creativity and curiosity. Located in the thriving neighborhood of the Vaartkom, the school was looking for a partner who could realize their vision. Symobo proved to be the perfect choice thanks to their shared values of craftsmanship, quality, precision and punctuality.

Together with architect Tom Cortoos, Symobo designed a school building that includes open and flexible “learning landscapes” and multipurpose halls, tailored to Stroom's curriculum. The interior highlights an industrial aesthetic with visible steel columns, grey concrete, white-painted steel structures and dark red window frames, creating a cool and playful interior.

The implementation of the project involved some challenges, such as special stability requirements due to the proximity of the Dyle. Symobo worked with stability engineer Willem to develop solutions, including a special foundation with masses of poles and concrete. The construction consisted of a steel frame with concrete panels and vaults, which formed the supporting structure.

After the installation of the first steel column, the steel structures were rectified, followed by the installation of concrete panels, vaults, windows, floors, HVAC, electricity and roofs. Symobo provided a total solution, allowing the students to move into the brand new building after the autumn holidays.

The completion of this project has achieved Stroom's vision, so that the school is now ready to enter into dialogue with the neighborhood. The management, teachers, students and parents were very positive about the result. The new school building offers a modern and sustainable learning environment that will stand the test of time and contributes to the vibrant community of de Vaartkom. Symobo once again proved its craftsmanship by successfully turning the complex requirements of this project into a beautiful school building that is ready for the future.

‍