The school turned inside-out combines learning and nature

Architecture, learning and nature merge at Sommerbæk Børnehus og Skole in Hørning in Denmark. The building, designed by GPP Arkitekter, has also been nominated for School Building of the Year 2024.

Outdoor education creates more motivated students – as the TEACHOUT research project shows. It is therefore not surprising that Skanderborg Municipality has invested in an impressive 7,200-square-metre school building where the school is turned inside-out. At the school, learning is transformed into a vibrant and sensory adventure, with canopies and outdoor workshops creating the ideal setting to move learning outside. Thus, one finds communication zones, workshop areas and collaboration and immersion zones in the fresh air at Sommerbæk Børnehus og Skole in Hørning.

Architecturally, Sommerbæk appears as a harmonious three-leaf clover divided into three main building sections, including a primary school (reception class to 3rd grade), a sports and multi-purpose hall and an integrated daycare institution for children aged 0-6 years. The sections are connected via the common area, Torvet, which forms the heart of the building.

The first stage was completed in August 2023 and now forms the framework for a brand new dynamo for the local area and the city of Hørning. This is reflected in the building’s architecture, which is inspired by the city’s character and the more natural elements of the landscape.

A model for future learning environments

Sommerbæk Børnehus og Skole has set new standards for how learning, architecture and nature can merge. This innovative approach has earned the school a well-deserved nomination for School Building of the Year 2024.

The nomination is not just a seal of approval – it's a recognition of Sommerbæk’s holistic approach to learning. It’s not just about going to school. It’s about creating a place where children develop into empathetic and responsible individuals who understand the value of our shared future. It is a living structure that breathes in harmony with its users and surroundings – a structure where every detail was chosen with care. Therefore, there is also a plan for Sommerbæk to be DGNB gold-certified.

However, the focus on the inside-out aspect of the school has not been made at the expense of indoor materials. A large portion of daylight hours takes place indoors, which is why Troldtekt acoustic solutions are part of the design as both ceiling and wall cladding.

The cement-bonded wood wool in natural wood helps to support an aesthetic that gives the entire school a sense of calm, security and wellbeing. At the same time, the solutions contribute to a good indoor climate with good acoustics. This makes a crucial difference in a school environment where noise and poor air quality can drain both concentration and wellbeing. 

The holistic approach that connects learning and social interaction both indoors and out makes Sommerbæk Børnehus og Skole a great example of how learning environments could be imagined in the future.