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C.F. Møller: ISIB school

At Ikast, Central Denmark, C.F. Møller designed a school complex like a small town, with individual volumes (school, after-school and kindergarten) located around a square.

The international school in Ikast-Brande (ISIB) has inaugurated a new 2,600 sqm building, which includes a school, after-school and kindergarten. C.F. Møller has designed the complex like a small town with individual volumes located around a square and winding streets.

Top and above: C.F. Møller Architects, International School Ikast-Brande, Ikast, Denmark. Photo Martin Schubert

The international school, which only teaches in English, is so popular that it has now been expanded with new facilities. 130 students are ready for the new school year at the International School, which with the new building can accommodate up to 200 students.

C.F. Møller Architects, International School Ikast-Brande, Ikast, Denmark. Photo Martin Schubert

Inside the two-storey building of light brickwork, there are omnipresent views to the green landscape and a pleasant natural light influx, creating a bright and friendly environment for the children and staff. The window openings are placed in a pixelated and lively pattern that allows natural light deep into the rooms – and opens the views for big and small alike.

Centrally located in the school complex is a long superstructure with a curved form. The superstructure contains ventilation systems and skylights, and is clad in translucent facade panels and double-glazed windows, respectively. The curved form is continued in the sinuous balconies framing the central “square”, which acts as a multi-purpose space for drama, music, dining and lectures as well as the main social space of the school.

The new school is located as an addition to an existing educational complex. The surrounding park-like landscape is partially designed as shady woodlands, with embedded playgrounds and playing fields, and a smaller screened area for the kindergarten.