Sint-Stevens-Woluwe (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The municipal primary school of Sint-Stevens-Woluwe unveils a new modern facility for the final three grades, marking a major upgrade in school infrastructure.
Large windows, solar panels, a playground on the roof, and a contemporary design are all aspects of the structure. Additionally, it provides locals with opportunities.
“The large, multifunctional space will be opened to improve social life in the municipality,”
says Alderman Lukas Schillebeeckx (CD&V team Bart), Belgium.
The fourth, fifth, and sixth grades of the municipal primary school are currently housed at the orange school. Together with the blue and green schools, the new building completes the school complex. There are classrooms as well as areas for religious education and a care room.
The structure, which is about 2,000 m² in size, has 184 solar panels and other energy-saving elements.
To create a calm environment, the school makes use of natural materials and low-stimulus colors. Ample natural light is made possible by large windows. The playground, which is immediately connected to the other school buildings, is even located on the roof.
The expansion comes none too soon. Due to the school’s growth, some classrooms were housed in containers or in classrooms beneath the sports hall.
“With this investment, we’re finally giving the third graders a building they deserve,”
says Alderman for Education Hamid Akaychouh (CD&V team Bart).
The design wasn’t just for the students.
“There’s a fully equipped 410 m² multipurpose hall, including a stage, backstage area, commercial kitchen, and restrooms,”
says Alderman Lukas Schillebeeckx.
“The hall can accommodate 400 standing or 200 seated visitors. Starting this fall, local organizations will be able to use the hall.”
“It’s no secret that there aren’t enough places for our clubs to meet,”
says Schillebeeckx.
“This is a great addition. It also creates new connections between schools and clubs. We hope to boost social life in Sint-Stevens-Woluwe.”
What measures are in place to ensure student safety with the rooftop playground?
The rooftop playground would have sturdy railings or safety barriers at sufficient height to prevent falls. These barriers must comply with safety standards to ensure no gaps or weak points exist.
The play surface is designed with shock-absorbing materials (like rubber mulch or poured rubber) to cushion falls and reduce injury risk.
Playground equipment is selected to suit the age and abilities of the students, regularly inspected for damage, and maintained to prevent hazards.
Students are taught safe play behaviors (no pushing, no running on wet surfaces, proper use of equipment), and staff supervision ratios are maintained to monitor and intervene when necessary.
