Montessori School Architecture in Prague: Duhovka Elementary School by ra15

A Thoughtful Expansion Rooted in Montessori Educational Values

The Duhovka Elementary School in Prague, designed by ra15, represents a compelling example of modern Montessori school architecture. Completed in 2024, this 7,210-square-meter expansion enhances both the educational philosophy and architectural character of the Czech-English Montessori school. The project prioritizes autonomy, adaptability, and well-being—core tenets of Montessori education—while addressing spatial and urban constraints with sensitivity and precision.

Enhancing the Learning Environment through Design

The design acknowledges that educational settings significantly influence how children learn, interact, and grow. In alignment with the Montessori principle of "Help me do it myself," the architecture fosters independence and encourages exploration. The new facilities include additional classrooms, a gymnasium, and specialized spaces for art and science, all conceived to meet the mental developmental needs of students during their most sensitive learning phases.

Integration with the Urban Fabric

The architectural expansion responds to the context of the existing building and surrounding neighborhood. The third-floor addition is recessed to reduce visual impact and respect the original two-story structure’s proportions. A gymnasium and avant-corps extension have been shaped to blend with the site’s spatial limitations, offering new terraces that connect directly with indoor learning spaces such as the corridors, art studio, and science lab.

Flexible Classrooms and Child-Centered Layout

Unlike traditional schools, the Montessori method requires a flexible and open spatial arrangement. At Duhovka, each pair of core classrooms is interconnected, allowing students to move freely between them and facilitating fluid, individualized instruction. The classrooms integrate personal lockers, kitchenettes, and relaxation zones while maintaining open layouts that accommodate diverse teaching approaches. The sanitary facilities are strategically located between classrooms to ensure efficient use of space.

Natural Materials for an Inviting Atmosphere

In keeping with the structural capacity of the existing building, the vertical extension is constructed with a wooden frame that remains exposed inside, adding warmth and tactile engagement. Wood continues throughout the interiors, including built-in furniture and gymnasium wall cladding. Combined with glass, these materials enhance natural light, acoustics, and visual clarity. On the exterior, both the gym and classroom additions are clad in durable metal panels—designed to mimic wooden shingles and vertical louvers—creating texture and dynamic contrast against the solid massing of the original structure.

Spaces that Foster Creativity and Movement

The architecture supports a holistic approach to education by integrating creative and active spaces. The new art studio and science lab connect to the outdoors through large terraces that extend classroom activities beyond traditional walls. The gymnasium, positioned adjacent to an outdoor playground, allows seamless transitions between indoor sports and outdoor recreation. Its open, embrace-like form invites movement and interaction, reinforcing the Montessori belief in experiential and self-guided learning.

A Modern Educational Environment for Future Generations

The Duhovka Elementary School extension by ra15 is a benchmark in Montessori school architecture. With its emphasis on autonomy, adaptability, and environmental harmony, it delivers a forward-thinking learning environment that responds not only to architectural challenges but also to pedagogical needs. By creating inviting, light-filled, and functionally diverse spaces, the design turns learning into an engaging, joyful journey—one that empowers students and supports educators in equal measure.

All photographs are works of Radek Úlehla