A future-proof school where learning and natural integration go hand in hand. 
The new building for this integrated child center in Drachten draws inspiration from the tranquil, ordered structure of a monastery.  The building site once housed the cloister garden of a former Franciscan monastery.

That historic monastery building now accommodates Museum Dr8888. With the new construction of Sint Lukas, both historical sites can now be meaningfully connected. The sheltered inner world of the new Sint Lukas, with a green patio at the heart of the school, is inspired by the cloister structure. But unlike a traditional monastery, this building is open and filled with light.

Its transparency creates countless sightlines, allowing visual connections throughout the entire space. As light and shadow shift continuously in the patio, children playfully experience the passage of time. This green inner world also offers insights into the building’s water cycles. The inward-sloping rooftops collect rainwater, guiding it to water basins and an underground reservoir, where it is stored for later use—such as providing cooling during the summer months. The building and its natural playground are both sustainable and regenerative.