Het Streek Lyceum School by Atelier van Berlo + Ector Hoogstad Architecten – Educational Architecture in Ede, Netherlands

Het Streek Lyceum, designed by Atelier van Berlo and Ector Hoogstad Architecten, is a landmark educational building located in Ede, The Netherlands. Completed in 2025, this innovative secondary school redefines the concept of learning spaces by fostering social interaction, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. The design emphasizes a compact, circular layout that acts as the social and spatial heart for students, staff, and the wider neighborhood.

Strategically positioned between a residential district and the Kenniscampus, the school bridges two contrasting contexts. Its two- and four-story volumes are carefully scaled to harmonize with surrounding buildings, while façades crafted from brick and recessed wooden panels create a rhythmic architectural expression. The distinctive Technasium, a dynamic glass-and-aluminum extension, sits atop landscaped hills reminiscent of the nearby Veluwe nature reserve, grounding the school in its natural context.

The entrance design emphasizes accessibility and openness. A sheltered colonnade leads to the Technasium, welcoming visitors into the "world of Het Streek." Inside, a round reception desk opens into a spacious, light-filled aula that serves as the school’s beating heart. The aula’s design incorporates varied heights, intimate seating areas, and sightlines that encourage spontaneous encounters and collaboration. A multifunctional wooden wall unfolds to form a stage, theater seating, or flexible event space. A French balcony adds theatrical charm, allowing students to engage creatively in performances or presentations.

Beyond school hours, the aula transforms into a community hub, hosting church services, sports activities, and cultural events, thanks to its transparent glass façade that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior. This integration strengthens the school’s role as a social and cultural anchor within Ede.

Sustainability is central to the project. The compact building mass, articulated façades, solar panels, and gas-free installations ensure energy efficiency and compliance with national 'Frisse School' standards. Het Streek Lyceum is also the first four-story building in the Netherlands using Dry-Stack, a circular, mortar-free brick system that allows bricks to be screwed into place for reuse, supporting a circular economy in construction.

Smart planning ensured that the existing school remained operational during construction, minimizing disruption. Materials from the former building were repurposed for landscaping, including a large insect hotel that enhances biodiversity. By actively involving students, teachers, and local residents, Het Streek Lyceum has become a sustainable, inclusive, and flexible learning environment that strengthens the social fabric of its community.

All the photographs are works of Marcel van der Burg