C.F. møller: soelvgade school

‘soelvgade school’ by c.f. møller, copenhagen, denmark
all images courtesy of c.f. møller
image © adam moerk

since its construction in 1847, copenhagen’s ‘soelvgade school’ fell just a little short of providing the necessary facilities and space
for a modern-day educational institution. danish firm C.F. møller has renovated the historical building and created a site-sensitive addition.
the contemporary refurbishment is constrained within the parameters set by the surrounding context and heritage.

architect lone wiggers describes the concept behind the design:
‘the idea has been to create a building that speaks the language of the children – colourful and musical.
At the same time the building should correspond to and integrate with the historic surroundings.’

the sectional form responds to its neighboring typologies, framing a glass facade within colorful evenly-spaced vertical walls.
a double skin system is used for its highly acoustic and thermal insulative properties, doubling as a vent stack for natural ventilation,
with metal screens above the windows to help shade from direct sunlight. the playful tones continue to the inside, enlivening the
six-storeys of classrooms, circulation, and gymnasium in the basement level.

(left) front facade
(right) back courtyard
images © adam moerk

(left) decorated glass panels at street level respond to human scale and illuminate the interior gymnasium
(right) colorful walls framed by vertical partitions hold a double skin system
images © adam moerk

colorful facade with a double skin system for superior acoustic and thermal insulation
image © adam moerk

interior of gym
images © adam moerk

colorful facade with a double skin system for superior acoustic and thermal insulation
image © adam moerk

colorful facade with a double skin system for superior acoustic and thermal insulation
image © adam moerk

colorful facade with a double skin system for superior acoustic and thermal insulation
image © adam moerk

exterior
image © adam moerk

illuminated facade
image © adam moerk

floor plan / level 2

floor plan / level -1

section

section

project info:

client: the city of copenhagen and københavns ejendomme
address: sølvgade, copenhagen, denmark
architect: c. f. møller architects
landscape: c. f. møller architects
engineer: esbensen rådgivende ingeniører and sloth møller
size: 4,500 m² (renovation 2,100 m², new build 2,400 m²)
year: 2009-2012
prizes: 1. prize after competitive tender, 2005