JÄRV / LAKE

A long-lasting, contemporary building and a lively space that serves the local community and promotes movement and outdoor activity—these were the goals we focused on when searching for the best possible design for the new Iisaku Primary School.

As we explored various design options, we realized that a large, compact building would achieve excellent energy efficiency but fall short in creating engaging outdoor spaces on the vast site, as well as in maintaining a dialogue with the preserved buildings. On the other hand, more complex volumes would shape a vibrant courtyard but would not be ideal for maximizing energy efficiency.

Instead, we propose a school consisting of four compact volumes, connected by unheated entrance spaces and lively terraces that surround the buildings. These four structures shape the most exciting part of the school—the inner courtyard, or as we call it, the outdoor atrium. The volumes also define the outdoor spaces around it: a main entrance square, active play areas, an utility garden, and a northern plaza.

One of the most significant elements of our proposal is the "järv"—an inclusive space at the heart of the school designed to offer a escape the surrounding bustle, a place to share secrets, or simply to connect with nature. Water is known for its healing effects on people, and by introducing it both metaphorically and physically into the school's core, we aim to create a positive and calming learning environment. The "coastline" of the school's own lake draws inspiration from the nearby Imatu Lake. This central atrium serves as a gathering space for celebrations and events, fostering unity within the school and offering endless opportunities to enrich the lives of the local community.

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A School that PROMOTES MOVEMENT:

- Circular movement opportunity inside and around the school encourages students to explore;

- Various stairs and stepped seating, both indoors and outdoors, invite movement up, down, and around;

- Playful features like small hills and a tunnel inspire activity and interaction.

- Play structures and elements such as hopscotch grids and outdoor ping-pong tables ensure ample movement opportunities for every child, regardless of their interests or abilities.

- Convenient bike and scooter parking near entrances promotes the use of light transportation.

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A School that ENCOURAGES SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS:

- Diverse outdoor spaces offer various atmospheres for every occasion or mood;

- Outdoor spaces are directly accessible from both levels and from all areas of the school;

- Tranquil and safe space at the heart of the school – outdoor atrium or “järv”;

- Ripple of active and lively spaces around the school – play structures, woodland trails, and an enclosed sports area;

- Opportunities for outdoor learning abound—covered terraces and stepped seating next to classrooms, greenhouses that serve as outdoor classrooms in winter, a farm garden, and diverse surrounding landscapes

- Safe, traffic-free outdoor areas are shielded from surrounding streets by trees and greenery

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The school with LONG-LASTING architecture:

- The building adapts to the evolving needs of the community - its layout can be easily modified, allowing it to serve other purposes, such as an elderly day-care center or office space.

- Durable, natural finishing materials like thatch, ceramics, wood, and galvanized steel ensure minimal maintenance and graceful aging;

- Highly energy-efficient design minimizes heating and operating costs;

- Outdoor terraces and deeper walls provide natural shading, that together with night time cross-ventilation, eliminate the need for cooling systems.

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Team: NOONSOON, Liena Šiliņa, Marta Ventere, Anna Saurova + NEMORALIS Landscape Architecture, In collaboration with RUUMIHUNT, Mari Hunt