Since 2008, NCC Construction Sverige, Telge Fastigheter and Södertälje communes have been collaborating and have completed several projects in Södertälje. One of these projects was the Hovsjöskolan, which was completed in 2012. The follow-up project was the Brunnsängsskolan which is built for around 750 students and was completed in 2013. It is aligned to Södertälje’s school model and has similarities with the previously built Hovsjöskolan which led to reduced construction costs. The school is designed as a bright and open building with high flexibility, which allows easy adjustments depending on the demands. Students walk in socks or indoor slippers to provide a living room feeling which makes the school their own. Its bright harmonic color scheme is inspired by technical icons and colors and is complemented with contrasting colors and natural materials.

It is an energy-efficient building in accordance with the EU standard green building and uses 30% less energy than the energy norm demands. Furthermore the building uses district heating via radiators and modern biotechnology for grease traps, kitchen ventilation and food waste. Another aspect is the use of low-energy lighting which helps to save energy. All building materials are approved by SundaHus and Telge Fastigheter’s environmental policy to protect the interior and external environment.

The heart of the school is formed by a multi-functional square, which is a vast open space with a high ceiling. A wide oak bleacher connects the square with the first floor and can be used for resting, chatting and reading. It can easily be used as a tribune when the square becomes a stage or is used for film screenings. The square also features a climbing wall and trapezes which motive students to exercise. Teaching is done in open spaces or in glazed group rooms which offer modern smart boards. The bright and open floor plan helps collaboration across different grades and is improving the trust among both students and teachers. All food is prepared on-site and can be eaten in any of the three dining areas. Outdoors, students can find an exciting schoolyard that encourages play and movement. After school hours, the school is also opened to the public and serves, for example, as a library.

Scharc was responsible for the design of the school and the work drawings. After the first years of Södertälje’s school model, the model has been adjusted and NCC and Scharc changed the formerly open teaching areas into closed classrooms. The new classrooms do not affect the concept of an open and flexible usable school.

‍Project in short:
‍7,700 sq.m. total area
770 sq.m. glass sections in the facade
1,150 sq.m. glass sections inside
4,100 cubic meter concrete
54 toilets
257 doors
1,315 sprinklers
56 surveillance cameras