Oslo International School / JVA

Architects: Jarmund/Vigsnæs AS Architects MNAL
Location: Oslo, Norway
Client: Oslo International School
Design Team: Einar Jarmund, Håkon Vigsnæs, Alessandra Kosberg, Siv Hofsøy, Anders Granli, Halvor Kloster, Katrine Skavlan, Nikolaj Zamecznik, Kazuhiko Yamada, Trine Johanne Jamtli
Landscape Architect: Grindaker AS
Consultants: AS Frederiksen (structure), Ingénia AS / Ing. Per Rasmussen AS / Heiberg & Tveter AS (Mechanical), NEAS Brannconsult AS (Fire), Norconsult AS (Acoustics)
Contractor: Oslo Byggentreprenør AS
Project Year: 2006-2009
New Structure Area: 3,900 sqm
Refurbishment Area: 3,300 sqm
Photographs: Ivan Brodey

Oslo International School is a private school with about 500 children from more than 50 different nations, divided into kindergarten, reception, primary and secondary school.

The school is based on a traditional use of classrooms combined with special facilities for advanced studies.

The primary goal of the building project is to upgrade existing areas, replace temporary structures and establish new educational areas for specific needs. The project is divided into 3 phases to make possible continuous use of the school during the construction period.

The existing structure from the 1960-ies was worn down, but had obvious architectonic qualities. The organization on one level gives easy orientation, good natural lighting and a close contact to the outdoors. The modular structure is flexible to programmatic changes.

The new structure gently transforms the easy organization within a limited budget, and tries to keep the inherent qualities. The new mechanical systems are placed on the roof.

Phase 1 is established as pavilions within existing atrium. They include science laboratories, library and a main “square”. The main entrance, as a result of the addition, is moved to the west side of the building.
The architecture is developed as a new vocabulary of soft and organic forms, softening dense spatial relationships between new and old areas. At the same time these new areas contain special programs framed by the rectilinear structure of the old. Daylight fills the rooms from narrow slits from floor to ceiling combined with circular roof lights.

Phase 2 is a separate pavilion for the smallest children. It houses 10 classrooms in addition to offices. The common areas get daylight fro the atrium. Sizes of rooms are flexible, and can be changed according to number of children on each level.

Phase 3, under planning, will house new areas for drama, music and physical education. Parts of the areas will be open at night.

Materials:

Organically shaped walls are clad with specially milled wooden paneling in convex and concave shape, treated with clear tar. Inside, the wooden walls are whitewashed. Phase 2 has a façade covered with fiber cement boards in 10 different colors. Outside materials are also used on the inside of outside walls.

With reference to the qualities of the old structure, the new buildings are organized around three new atria suited for play and recreation for the different groups of children.

The existing atrium is established as the quiet garden with white gravel, benches and greenery suited for quiet play and conversations. Two large existing oaks are preserved.

The atrium in phase two has a rubber floor suited for play for the smallest children. The open school yard towards the west is planned for ball play.