Glazed partitions for a transparent, light, open learning environment

Rather than following traditional school design with separate classrooms, the vision behind the Læringshuset architecture is to create open, transparent frames that support children's development and curiosity. In consequence, and in addition to ceilings, skirting boards and gypsum partitions, the DEKO installation team has fitted dark-profiled, fully glazed partitions that not only utilise and distribute natural daylight but also provide visual access to the various rooms. The pedagogical idea is that pupils should be able to learn from each other across ages: older pupils should be inspired by the younger children’s playful universe, while the younger children see themselves in those who are older.

The glazed partitions contribute to a dynamic, light, open learning environment, where the transition between grade levels becomes more fluid as pupils follow each other's everyday lives and develop through mutual mirroring. In order to meet the school's requirements for fire safety and sound, the fully glazed partitions feature sound reduction of up to RW 48 dB, while in certain places special fire-rated glazed partitions with corresponding dark profiles have been installed. DEKO has also supplied all the interior doors, choosing robust doors that can withstand rough and frequent use – perfect for the energetic environment.

Flexible spaces with project-oriented teaching

Læringshuset Nærheden, also called ‘The School of the Future’, was created with a view to breaking with old teaching methods and classroom-based thinking. Since the school works instead with project-oriented problem solving, Læringshuset, or ‘The Learning House’, is designed to support this innovative learning style. This involves circular seating arrangements in the large rooms, screens instead of boards and partitions that act as giant bulletin boards for students' free use.

In addition to large glass-enclosed teaching areas and workspaces known as 'think tanks', the school also has open work areas with attractive textile furniture that invites creative expression, subject-related discussion and collaboration. To reduce noise in the open areas, DEKO has installed acoustic panels in dark or light wood to match the other wooden features of the building.

DEKO: One-stop contractor and supplier

As one of Denmark's largest carpentry and joinery companies and one of Scandinavia's leading suppliers of glazed partitions, DEKO is an excellent choice of partner in construction projects since we are able to shoulder the task of contractor and supplier at the same time – such as we have done at Læringshuset Nærheden. At DEKO, we are very pleased to have taken part in creating the best learning environment for pupils and students at the Learning House, and we look forward to many more similar projects.