Cardea Youthcare and Education Centre

Project details: Cardea Youthcare and Education

Country/city: Netherlands / Leiderdorp

Architect: Van Egmond Architecten

Photographer: Fotografie Bernice

Production year: 2014

"The rooms are quiet, which is essential for concentration and communication. Children and their attendants should suffer as little as possible from ambient noise and echoes"
Gerrit Jan Hoogeland, director of Cardea

Tranquility for concentration and communication

In 2014 Cardea opened a new location in Leiderdorp. The new multifunctional education and youthcare building houses several activities, including a school for children aged 3 to 12,  with severe developmental and behavioral disabilities. 

A safe and pleasant environment

"The building is fully designed for the children" says architect Britta van Egmond. "A safe and enjoyable education was the starting point for the design. This is reflected in the green schoolyard, large windows and also in the choice of materials and colours. The ceilings, for instance, had to be white. This spreads the light nice and smoothly." 

Another example is the cheerful balls in the railing of the striking, central staircase. These also have a safety function, since the stairs is occasionally used as a stand.

Different acoustic demands

The building has an open plan structure. Most of the rooms are connected and together they can also serve as one big auditorium. Even then, the acoustics is excellent and the ceilings align perfectly. Everywhere people can meet, discuss, teach and play. There is also an office and a playroom located in the building, with different acoustic requirements. Ecophon ceilings were installed throughout the building.

 “The employees of Cardea moved from cellular offices to open workspaces. Nevertheless, it was very important that they could still have a conversation without being disturbed. That’s why we installed Solo free hanging units” says Britta Van Egmond.

In the playroom, which is always noisy, acoustic ceilings with special impact resistance were used.

 
Tranquility and speech intelligibility

 "For the children it is very important that they can concentrate and work in a quiet environment. The classes are small and the setting is pleasant and peaceful, without any disturbing noise or other distractions. The children need personal assistance, and tranquility and speech intelligibility are essential for concentration and communication" says Van Egmond. 

"The building  is a safe and nice place for learning, playing, meeting and working. I am especially proud that the building is designed for the children in a way that it offers challenges, but in a safe and peaceful environment."
Britta van Egmond, Van Egmond Architecten