De Noorderkempen
The former school building is part of the vagrants’ colony of Merksplas, a historically significant and now protected heritage compound consisting of correctional buildings as well as residences and facilities for personnel. After years of neglect the school was acquired by housing association “De Noorderkempen” for its offices and renovated to be occupied in 2012. However the renovation proved flawed, showing scant respect for the existing structure and layout of the building, cluttering up the interiors with ill-fitting interventions and introducing a cold materiality which contrasted uneasily with the picturesque heritage aesthetics.
Restoring clarity
The redesign consists of a series of targeted spatial interventions. The main circulation is brought back to the original corridor, a space wide enough to accommodate a waiting corner and (accessible) restrooms. Here we also find a private consultation room and service counter with dual access for safety, both enclosed by translucent partitions. Figured glass filters the daylight flooding the circulation space, while clear-glazed transom windows preserve a sense of the original geometry of the space.
These circulation and reception spaces lead to a separate staff kitchen with central bar table for lunching and relaxing. Together this linear sequence of functions represents the more trafficked zone of the building, which logically receives a floor finish in sturdy cement tiles—in keeping with the original character of the building.
The 3 original class rooms occupying the eastern half of the ground floor function as office spaces, unified by the application of a solid floor surface. All ceilings to the ground floor spaces are finished with an acoustic spray plaster in a striking dark red colour, improving acoustic comfort and injecting a sense of warmth.
A lift was added to the central classroom as part of the previous renovation process; we supplement this with an internal staircase to create a vertical core which also absorbs storage solutions, decluttering the surrounding spaces. The attic is separately usable and accessible through the existing external stairs; the new internal staircase can be closed off with a large sliding door to ensure the privacy and security of ground floor offices.
Upstairs the necessary functions like kitchen, restroom and storage are grouped around the central circulation core, dividing the attic in two separately usable spaces. The character of these meeting rooms and incidental work zones are defined mainly by the existing trusses and the parquet flooring; the latter is sanded and re-stained in a dark tone to match the new timber finishes throughout the building.
Sense and sustainability
The design aims for maximum comfort using low-impact measures and technologies. Materials are selected for durability, environmental performance and circularity, prioritising reusable and natural options. Technical systems such as HVAC and heating are maintained with minor adjustments, while outdated lighting is replaced with energy-efficient LED fixtures that provide a warmer, more inviting ambience. The project achieves thermal, acoustic and air quality comfort through economical, low-tech interventions.
Overall, the redesign transforms the former school into a well-organised, welcoming and environmentally responsible building. It combines improved circulation, a flexible work environment and careful attention to heritage elements into an interior that is practical and inspiring for employees and visitors alike.
