Hunter Douglas fixed, horizontally sliding harmonica screens have been chosen for the construction of the Fioretti College. The powder-coated aluminium panels have a 12% perforation to reduce light fall and direct sunlight. The schools design is compact: three floors with classrooms surrounding a central court.
Project coordinator Maurice Knook of architects Broekbakema explains: Without light blocking, students wont be able to read the smart boards in the classrooms. The commissioning party was quite clear about not wanting an indoor light protection system, as these tend to be less durable. So together with Hunter Douglas we developed a sun and light control system for the façade. The screens are linked to the building management system, but can also be operated at the press of a button by individual teachers in every classroom.
The system blocks heat as well as light. The school is a so-called fresh school type B with an Energy Performance Coefficient value of 0.7 that makes it almost energy-neutral. The result is a very colourful façade. To add to the green look, ivy is growing up some of the façade parts.