A modern gymnasium

In the small town of Hesselager between Svendborg and Nyborg on the Danish island of Funen, a small extension to the local school has resulted in a modern and flexible gymnasium designed for a multitude of new activities and for use by the school as well as the local community.

Stokkebækskolen has challenged the well-known, traditional gymnasium with its wall bars, clerestory windows and colourful striping on the floor. A climbing wall combined with climbing ropes and wall bars has been added at one end of the gymnasium, creating a climbable opening into the new annexed extension.

The integration of the new, parallel annexe with the original gymnasium has resulted in an entirely different spatial experience. In the new space, which is dedicated to stimulating the children’s motoric development, the children can also climb around or use the gymnastics equipment on the floor. In an adjoining room is a small fitness room with large mirrors and a variety of fitness equipment. Both of the new rooms look out on a small courtyard designed for outdoor activities.

Inviting facilities

White Troldtekt acoustic panels have been installed on the ceilings throughout the new climbing section of the gymnasium and in the motoric room and the fitness room. The acoustic solution has thus been carefully tailored to compensate for the high noise levels of many people engaging in energetic sporting activities together.

In the motoric room, the asymmetric geometry of the ceiling draws attention to the ceiling surface and underpins the playful nature of the room, while the colours break with the image of a traditional gymnasium. Moreover, wood has been used to add texturality and warmth to the room. 

The new facilities are used all day – from early morning until late evening – by pupils, clubs and associations and as well as locals. In fact, it was the local community which first put forward the idea of an extension to the old sports hall, which resulted in funding for the project from the campaign Drøn på Skolegården and Skole+.