Founded in 1919 by a group of residents, the Norbertus school in Roosendaal, the Netherlands is a secondary school rich in history and civic significance. The current buildings date back to 1923 and hold municipal monument status. Over the years, numerous expansions led to a fragmented layout, lacking coherence between buildings and often requiring students to walk considerable distances between classrooms. These additions also diluted the distinctive character of the original structure. In 2017, a merger with the Gertrudis Lyceum created a new driver: the need for a unified, effective, and adaptable educational environment aligned with a contemporary pedagogical vision. A variety of Rockfon acoustic solutions were installed throughout to optimise the school acoustics.
Restoring the Monumental Heart
BDG Architects responded by designing a plan that removed all non-monumental extensions, reinstating the school’s original structure as the architectural and functional core. Behind this historic base, a new symmetrical extension was added, echoing the original building’s layout to reinforce harmony and balance. “The symmetry and the new axis structure also ensure peace and harmony in the floor plans, which we have logically arranged based on the five domains of the school. Small-scale and each with its own recognisable identity, where education can be provided in an innovative and future-proof way,”, explains project architect Herma Kerssies.
The refurbishment allowed the architects to restore both the structural clarity and the appearance of the school. The original T-shape of the municipal monument has been reinstated, and the new U-shaped extension wraps around the old building. A central atrium, formed by removing a mezzanine floor and 1970s system ceiling, now houses the original auditorium. Restored to its full height and showcasing its wooden trusses, the auditorium has become the heart of the school, functioning as both theatre and library.
An older wing from the 1950s – originally housing a gym and event hall – was partly demolished to make way for a new main entrance from the schoolyard. This preserved section now serves as an art room and outdoor stage, retaining its cultural purpose. A glazed facade ensures its continued role as a venue for performances and exhibitions. A sunken seating area in the courtyard marks the outline of the removed section and adds versatility for breaks, informal meetings, and gatherings.
Introducing School-Wide Acoustic Comfort
Installers Element Afbouw Breda handled wall and ceiling installation, facing particular challenges in some areas. The atrium walls were the most complex element – twelve metres high and structurally demanding. Around the integrated window frames, 45cm recesses were formed to house Rockfon Mono Acoustic seamless acoustic ceilings, finished with its render surface.
"There is a lot of work involved in this project – a lot of customisation as well. That makes it an interesting project for us, in which we have been able to demonstrate our expertise", says Iwan Petersen, project manager at Element Afbouw Breda.
Rockfon provided advice for cladding the exposed wooden trusses in the new atrium. Elsewhere in the old building, ceiling panels were installed on sloping roofs after a mezzanine was removed, requiring complex scaffolding. In total, Element Afbouw Breda created over 550 metres of custom coves, demonstrating their detailed craftsmanship.
Ceilings for the classroom acoustics were more straightforward. In the monumental building, old ceiling panels were dismantled and replaced with Rockfon Pallas white acoustic ceiling tiles. The new classrooms also feature this system, along with approximately 500 square metres of Rockfon Color-all-in acoustic ceiling tiles in Fresh, a soft blue tone that is one of the 34 Colours of Wellbeing. The impact-resistance acoustic ceiling tiles Rockfon Boxer were used in the gymnasiums and storage areas to withstand impact loads.
A free-hanging ceiling system was used in the corridors of the new building. Here, Rockfon Krios acoustic ceiling tiles in the 600 x 2100 size were installed without a grid. "The architect specifically did not want a frame around the ceiling. That is why we used Z-profiles. We installed the last panel without a profile, the profile was glued on. We made a very long test piece to check whether the glue held".
From Fragmented to Future-Ready
The school renovation exemplifies how effective design can breathe new life into a historic educational building while supporting contemporary pedagogical needs. By balancing the restoration, BDG Architects and their collaborators have created a flexible and acoustically comfortable learning environment that honours the school's past. With its integration of new and old, the project not only enhances daily student experience but also stands as a benchmark in student-centric school design.
