Redesign of school in Kolding

Housed in a former industrial building for many years, Kolding School of Design (Denmark) has developed a pragmatic relationship with its physical surroundings. A transformation of the building therefore raises important questions about recycling.

During the creative process, we often talk about “constraints” as an engine for a better and more well-conceived product. During the transformation of Kolding School of Design, the school itself chose the constraint of not moving to new premises, insisting that the building would be even better following a complete transformation. 

One of the principles of CUBO Arkitekter, the winner of the transformation project, was to have as few materials leave the building as possible. Instead, they were to be recycled so that the building itself could be recycled. Thus, the vision for the transformation was that sustainability and architecture should go hand in hand with honesty and transparency, as well as form and function. In this case, the emphasis was on turing the inside out with no hidden installations or surfaces. The new spiralstaircase in the atrium has therefore also preserved the blacksmith’s hand, just as the ventilation runs through visible installations.

New entity with both preserved, reused and new Troldtekt panels

For the school and everyone involved, it has been an exciting process to insist on far-reaching honesty while ensuring cohesion within the school. As a recurring material on the ceilings, Troldtekt ensures good acoustics in the building and helps to create architectural unity. In keeping with the vision, the original Troldtekt panels have been preserved or reused other places. Where remodelling has occurred, new corresponding Troldtekt panels in natural wood have been installed. 

A significant part of the transformation has been greater openness to the design workshops in particular, which is why the school has had interior glass panels installed. The southern facade has also been altered with larger window sections that have been returned to their original size.

In the study area, meeting boxes have been added that double as noticeboards - something this school can't have too many of. The cork surface is ideal, in part because it is a biogenic material that collects and stores carbon. 

There is no doubt that sustainability and architecture merge into a functional whole that preserves the industrial aesthetic of the building.