Mesterfjellet Larvik, Norway
The adaptive reuse project of Mesterfjellet comprises a substantial extension to the local school. The idea is a very compact building with a minimal footprint. First of all, this makes it possible to reuse the old foundations of a previous school building, which is important given the highly complex geotechnical conditions. Secondly, it leaves more outdoor park and playground area for the children and creates distance from neighbouring houses. This underlying idea resulted in a new building typology, which we call “the vertical campus”.
This two-form-entry public school has pupils ranging from 1st to 10th grade in primary and secondary school, as well as a pre-school facility where younger children can play or see a health visitor.
As opposed to a traditional atrium school with an introverted central space and skylights, the vertical campus features a vertical multi-functional space that extends to the facades, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor areas. The school’s common areas are grouped around this vertical space, similar to a traditional theatre, with a tiny stage-like floor and a number of cantilevered balconies from which the children can overlook the heart of the school. Thus, the central area is humming with life and activity throughout the day while also ensuring short internal distances and synergies among different functions.
In addition, the extroverted central space serves as a linking element when viewed from the outside. The space and the adjacent library stand out from the school’s wood-clad volume with their large transparent glass section, which creates a visual connection between all building floors and the outdoor space. The glass section provides natural light and views and expresses the school’s openness and relationship with the local community.
The central space is clad in perforated wooden panels decorated with pedagogical and aesthetic elements formed by holes of varying sizes. Three motives tell stories that are related to the special rooms behind them. The motive-walls weave images from scientific history, Nordic mythology and musical elements together into an open narrative that students can explore and discover over time. New details can be interpreted and understood differently as they develop throughout their tenure at the school.
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