Kindcentrum Montfoort

Everything Under one roof: play, learn, and grow. In the design by EGM Architects, Kindcentrum Montfoort (the Montfoort Children’s Centre) brings together three primary schools and a childcare centre under one roof. Both indoors and outdoors, the school building features an intimate and child-friendly layout, ensuring that every child – from 0 to 13 years old – feels at home and enjoys going to school. With its varied heights and compact volumes, the building exudes the charm and vibrancy of a welcoming neighbourhood where children can grow and flourish, both together and independently.

The three primary schools HoWiBlo, De Hobbitstee, and Graaf Jan, together with out-of-school care Kind & Co, comprise the new Montfoort Children’s Centre. EGM Architects were tasked with designing a friendly building, organically connected to the playground and outdoor learning environment. A child-focused building where different pedagogical and educational visions converge.

Fitting into the existing surroundings

The Montfoort Children’s Centre is clearly visible from all corners of the surrounding neighbourhood. The varying volumes with unique light brick facades complement the surrounding buildings. The main entrance and outdoor play areas align with the dynamics of the open landscape, while the other side transitions naturally into the nearby residential area. The colourful entrances and external stairs stand out.

Learning about nature through play

Plants, animals, and shapes from nature were the inspiration for the design – allowing children to learn about them through play, with staff seamlessly integrating this into activities and education. The surrounding gardens do not strictly separate pathways and playgrounds. Children of all ages play together and alongside each other.

Interaction between different age groups

The connection between the schools and the childcare centre is immediately visible at the building's central entrance. From this plaza, all three schools and the childcare centre can be seen at a glance. Thanks to the large windows, the building’s height, and the wide hallways, there is constant interaction between different age groups. Each school has a distinctive look, creating a recognisable identity. The use of natural materials, related colours, and an open, barrier-free design ensure a coherent and connecting whole.

Meeting each other happens naturally

Children, parents, and staff meet in the central hub – in the mornings, afternoons, and during activities. Tables invite people to sit, while cosy corners offer spaces to relax or dive into an exciting book. A prominent wooden staircase connects the spaces of the lower years with those of the middle and upper years on the upper floor. Around this meeting place are shared facilities such as a music and art studio, a kitchen, gyms, a library, and a playroom. If more space is needed, a wall in the playroom can be easily opened. This way, the play and learning space for nearly 600 children extends across the entire Children’s Centre.

It's a joy to work here!

Loes Wieman, cluster manager Kind&co ludens

Learning has never been so much fun

The new building includes various learning plazas where children can be taught in groups, work independently on assignments, or be encouraged to engage in interactive movement. Each primary school decides how to use these learning plazas, depending on their educational vision. Large glass sliding doors connect the learning plazas with the classrooms. Large skylights, excellent acoustics, and natural light from the classrooms ensure pleasant learning spaces where children can concentrate and work effectively.

A healthy and natural learning environment

The Montfoort Children’s Centre is completely gas-free and a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB). It includes CO₂ regulation, air treatment systems, a heat pump and heat recovery. Integrated nesting and breeding boxes in the facade, green roofs, and the naturally designed schoolyard contribute to biodiversity and a healthy natural environment. The new building is also low-maintenance and adaptable to future changing needs.

Team

EGM architects: Ádám Pedróczki, Emiel Hofman, Jack Heskens, Peter van Ek, Pieter Korstanje, Roemer Pierik, Rosanna Alkema, Willeke Smit

Collaboration: ICS adviseurs, Adviesbureau Tielemans, Wolf Dikken adviseurs, GBB, Pellikaan Bouwbedrijf B.V., Marseille Buiten

_{© Photography - EGM architects  |  Video - Kindcentrum Montfoort}