A school that grows with its children

In the Sterrenburg neighbourhood of Dordrecht, Kiem Special School brings together five organisations for education, care and rehabilitation under one roof. The challenge? Designing a building that felt safe and welcoming for vulnerable children, while also meeting ambitious sustainability goals. The solution was found in human-centred architecture and a pitched green roof system by Sempergreen that united energy performance, climate resilience and biodiversity in one gesture.

From vision to a safe haven

The name “Kiem” means “to sprout” in Dutch. It captures the essence of this school: to help every child grow, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. By combining education and healthcare within one facility, pupils are supported holistically in an environment designed to feel safe and nurturing. Architectural firm Mecanoo translated this vision into a building that feels open and welcoming. Soft lines, warm materials and abundant natural light give the school a non-institutional character. Classrooms and shared spaces are scaled to children’s worlds, allowing them to feel comfortable and secure. Safety and a sense of belonging were guiding principles throughout the design.

Architecture with a human touch

To bring this vision to life, Mecanoo worked with the client SPON (Stichting Speciaal Onderwijs Drechtsteden) between 2010 and 2013. The design avoids a single monolithic building. Instead, the school was divided into recognisable “houses” — Lower School, Upper School, Sports house and Rehabilitation house. Each is built with a different coloured brick, helping pupils orient themselves and creating a sense of belonging in familiar daily routines.

A sloping green roof with many benefits 

The school’s large sloping roof was a design opportunity but also a technical challenge. A conventional roof would have overheated in summer and drained stormwater too quickly. The Sempergreen pitched green roof system planted with Sedum mix blankets crowning the school offered a multifunctional solution. Far from being only decorative, the roof strengthens sustainability in several ways: 

• It insulates against heat, lowering energy demand for airconditioning. 

• It captures and retains rainwater, easing pressure on urban drainage. 

• It absorbs external noise, supporting a calm interior environment. 

• It provides nectar for bees and butterflies, increasing local biodiversity. 

For children, the roof is also a subtle teaching tool. Watching the plants change with the seasons creates awareness of nature’s rhythms, even in the middle of the city.

Open spaces that connect 

Between these houses lie transparent glass zones with the canteen, media library and language studio. These areas act as meeting places, encouraging children to connect beyond their groups. The balance of intimate houses and open shared spaces gives the school both a small-scale character and a sense of community. 

Recognised for healthy schools

Thanks to these design choices, Kiem achieved category B within the Dutch Fresh Schools concept. This recognition confirms that pupils and staff benefit from good air quality, acoustics and energy performance, ensuring a comfortable learning environment for all.