De Zuiderkroon

Kindcentrum De Zuiderkroon in Hoogezand is home to an elementary school and a daycare. Inclusiveness and multifunctionality are central to the design of the building, as created by the architects of De Zwarte Hond. The space of the building is structured in such a way that the different rooms are connected to a central heart. Users of the building therefore all have their own place connected to this heart. In addition, the design ensures that the approximately 5,100 m2 is perceived as smaller and more attractive so that the building complies with the child's perspective. Students can come together for educational purposes in the different corners and places of the building. 

The building has a robust character due to that the bottom layer of the building is made out of concrete. In combination with the handmade tiles on the top layer, the building becomes interpretable. The tiles were developed by Koninklijke Tichelaar in collaboration with De Zwarte Hond. Tichelaar also played a role in coordinating the application of the tiles on the façade. The tiles are characterized by a glaze with pigments of green and blue so that the tiles reflect the natural environment of the building. Differences in the green color gradient and a changing look of the tiles with different weather types are the results. The building and the natural environment, therefore, become one. We can proudly announce that De Zuiderkroon is nominated for the 'School Building of the Year' awards on behalf of the Architectenweb Awards 2022. All in all, we are proud of the result.