The existing elementary school Dalton Molenwiek in Haarlem dates from 1975 and was built by architect Wiek Röling. A temporary extension was added in the 1990’s. In the near future the number of students will grow significantly and the current extension does not longer fulfil the wishes of the school.

The existing building was very much designed from the perspective of the interior, which is very characteristic for these kind of schools dating from the 80’s. The exterior has therefore a very undefined shape and the entrance of a building that is very hard to find from the street. The extension of the school, with space for extra classes, a library, workplaces etc. is designed as a rectangular frame around the existing building. The school will have a strong urban presence in the neighbourhood characterised by big building blocks.

Some of the new functions will also be used by people from the neighbourhood and have a direct entrance from the street. Due to these functions, the school will also function as a new community centre. In between the existing building and the extension new patio’s and gardens will be formed. Every group of students will share one patio for outdoor classes or as a communal playground.