lt2a and open architectes extend elementary school in belgium
The extension of the Fernand Jacquemin elementary school by LT2A in association with Open Architectes in Ploegsteert, Belgium, delivers a 1,600-square-meter educational building that rethinks how architecture can support everyday learning. The project brings together kindergarten and primary education while introducing a new kitchen and dining hub. Moving away from the notion of the school as a neutral shell, the architects treat it as an active spatial system that directs movement, enables encounters, and frames attention from the first moment of arrival.
Oriented toward playgrounds to the east and open agricultural horizons to the south and west, the horizontal volume is sheltered by a continuous concrete canopy. This overhanging roof establishes a protected perimeter around the building, creating generous covered outdoor areas. Circular and triangular concrete elements act as structural supports but also as clear spatial markers that guide circulation and orientation for children.
all images by Mehdi Boulkroun
Fernand Jacquemin elementary framed by movement
Instead of internalizing all circulation, the project privileges semi-open spaces. Covered walkways, outdoor seating, and transitional zones allow learning to extend beyond the classroom. These thresholds become informal gathering points where pupils wait, play, or simply observe the surroundings.
The architecture relies on a palette of concrete, glass, and timber. Large glazed facades open shared spaces toward the playgrounds and fields beyond, while more solid elements define quieter, protected areas. Circular walls signal key functions, angled supports introduce rhythm, and the continuous roof ties everything together into a single structure.
Developed through a nearly decade-long collaboration between LT2A, Open Architectes, and engineering partners, the school reflects a collective design process involving the client, consultants, and contractor Dherte SA.
geometric elements support the canopy
concrete, glass, and timber form a restrained material palette
the continuous concrete canopy shelters semi-open circulation spaces
the extension integrates new volumes with existing school buildings
circular concrete supports act as spatial markers along the circulation route
circular openings puncture the canopy
covered outdoor areas extend daily school life beyond the classroom walls
a low, horizontal volume anchors the extension
forming sheltered circulation and waiting areas
a horizontal facade articulates the school’s public edge
the extension reads as a low, layered volume
a sequence of slender columns supports the canopy
interior spaces prioritize clarity, durability, and acoustic comfort
classrooms are organized to maximize natural light and visual connection to the outdoors
a low, layered volume set within the open landscape
project info:
name: Extension of Fernand Jacquemin Elementary School
architects: LT2A | @l.t.2.a, Open Architectes | @open_architectes
location: 7782 Ploegsteert, Belgium
area: 1,600 square meters
engineering: Adem Ingénierie
contractor: Dherte SA
photographers: Mehdi Boulkroun | @mehdi.boulkroun
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