Jimmy van der Aa, from Studio A Kwadraat, alongside David Gianotten and Michael den Otter, from OMA, as part of the Schools by Circlewood consortium, emerged victorious in the competition to design the Wisperweide school in Weesp, Netherlands. This will be the first school to utilize the prefabricated wooden modular system by Schools by Circlewood, recently adopted by the City of Amsterdam for the construction of elementary schools.

Wisperweide aspires to be a space that fosters the growth and development of future generations, providing a safe and stimulating environment for learning, collaboration, and exploring the unique potential of each child. By using the plug-and-play system of Schools by Circlewood, the project can achieve maximum flexibility, both in daily use and in the long term, promoting creativity for both teachers and children.

At the heart of the building is the auditorium, surrounded by various educational spaces divided into two zones based on age, each with its own entrance. The corridors are spacious and filled with natural light. The wooden modular structure allows for various finishes, with a facade defined by horizontal bands, canopies at the main entrances, and large windows. Two playgrounds tailored to specific age groups have been designed, recognizing outdoor learning as a fundamental part of the Dutch educational vision.

The school, part of Amsterdam’s Innovation Partnership School program, embodies high sustainability standards in line with the Paris Agreement. Biobased, demountable, and fully prefabricated, it represents the circular goals of the city of Amsterdam. Additionally, it incorporates a sustainable installation method to further reduce CO2 and nitrogen emissions, contributing to a better future where children learn to positively impact their community and the world.