Newly renovated school with focus on both learning and environment

The school Hålabäcksskolan has been renovated to provide sufficient capacity and create good learning environments for the many primary and lower secondary school children in the Swedish town of Kungsbacka. Based on the eco-friendly choices made, Hålabäcksskolan has achieved sustainability certification from the Sweden Green Building Council.

Hålabäcksskolan in Kungsbacka was built in the 1960s and had gradually become quite worn down, and the ventilation system, the technical installations and accessibility were all in need of upgrading. Kungsbacka Municipality therefore initiated a full-scale renovation at the end of 2019, which was completed in summer 2021. During the renovation works, temporary classrooms were established in pavilions in the playing fields.

In the past, Hålabäcksskolan only taught Years 5 to 9, but in future will also accommodate Year 4, while Years 0-3 will be based at Sommarlust next to the school. Pupil numbers will therefore increase from 320 to 540, thereby contributing to meeting the demand for both pre-school and school facilities in the centre of Kungsbacka.

Focus on sustainable materials

On the ceilings at Hålabäcksskolan 1,400 square metres of Troldtekt acoustic panels in natural wood have been installed. This helps to create a comfortable sound environment, making it easier for pupils and teachers to concentrate. The acoustic panels also contribute to the distinct and attractive classroom architecture, where natural light also plays a major role.

Hålabäcksskolan has achieved Silver sustainability certification from the Sweden Green Building Council. Troldtekt contributes certification points, among other things because the acoustic panels are certified according to the leading standards for sustainable forestry – and are documented to contribute to a circular economy.

Closeness is key

The renovation has resulted in research-based learning environment designs that meet today’s needs and where both pupils and teachers are assured a high level of well-being. The different year groups are based in a number of ‘hubs’, where each class has its own classroom.

Here, pupils and teachers are close to each other throughout the school day, and the classrooms can be used in different ways depending on the subjects. At the same time, it is possible to adapt the rooms to the needs of the pupils.

In addition, accessibility has been upgraded to meet contemporary standards.