De Statie multifunctional community school interior

refreshing colors


and transparency

De Statie multifunctional community school interior

De Statie is a multi-functional community building and seniors’ housing complex located in the centre of Sas van Gent. Alongside a library, various community facilities and a sports centre of Olympic standards, the building accommodates two primary schools, a day-care centre, playgroup, GGD (Community Health Services) centre, and a separate residential wing with 23 seniors’ apartments. The iconic black timber-clad building hosts a minimum of 15 sports clubs and 25 associations.


In contrast with the dark, overlapping timber exterior, the interior of De Statie looks light and warm. The fluid, angled lines of the plan result in dynamic spaces. The colour palette is characterised by fuchsia pink, apple green, navy blue, and baby blue. Colour is applied throughout the building in a considered way just like the elegant timber elements. In order to differentiate each function with its own identity, the accent colours vary per space.

At the entrance, all users of the building are welcomed in the communal meeting space; here an oversized furniture installation doubles as a reception and bar. This centrally-located space functions as the link between the different building elements which are further connected by the voids and views through the building and an inviting tapered stairs. A thin wall unit separates the library with the communal meeting space and canteen, providing options for storage and seating on both sides. In the canteen, seven large windows afford views into the sports hall. Characterised by blue, the sports hall is divided into three smaller spaces and a gymnastics area. Here, materials such as white-washed timber panelling and an oak-clad stand create a calm, light environment.
The schools and day-care centre also feel light and warm. As in the communal meeting space, warm colour accents are used in the wall niches. Also the bar and pantry joinery are distinguished through the application of colour. The timber stairs in the double-height entry hall are extended with a platform that can be used as a stage and play space. Window seats provide options for sitting and lingering and are found throughout the whole building.

The theme of collaboration is promoted by maximising transparency throughout the building. Via the use of internal windows, voids and views and large glass sliding panels, this helps create an open, accessible environment at De Statie for everyone in the community to come and participate in activities together.

  • Petra Appelhof
    interior
  • Petra Appelhof
    interior
  • Petra Appelhof
    interior
  • John Lewis Marshall
    library
  • John Lewis Marshall
    void
  • John Lewis Marshall
    library
  • John Lewis Marshall
    interior
  • Petra Appelhof
    view towards sports
  • John Lewis Marshall
    sports
  • Petra Appelhof
    sports
  • Petra Appelhof
    sports
  • Petra Appelhof
    stairs
  • John Lewis Marshall
    stairs
  • Petra Appelhof
    interior school
  • John Lewis Marshall
    interior school
  • Petra Appelhof
    daycare
  • Petra Appelhof
    daycare
  • John Lewis Marshall
    theatre