Reimagining Vocational Learning Spaces

A sustainable campus for agricultural training

Yuverta is Europe’s leading provider of agricultural vocational education and training, offering courses at the European Qualifications Framework levels 1 to 4. For a new campus in Dordrecht, the Netherlands, BDG Architects were initially commissioned to design a mix of renovation, demolition, and new construction. They later proposed an alternative approach that prioritised reuse alongside new construction. To support acoustic comfort, Rockfon white acoustic tiles were installed throughout.

Blending reuse with new to enrich student life

BDG Architecten strategically repurposed existing structures, effectively utilising available space and staying within budget. "By reusing the building, we managed to create extra space for education and meeting within budget to realise,” explains Marco de Jong, Architect Partner at BDG Architecten.

“In line with Yuverta's curriculum, we have two greenhouse areas on either side of the old auditorium, creating an orangery. This orangery marks the central middle area and connects the educational domains".

This versatile space serves as a sheltered winter garden, fostering collaboration and strengthening the connection between theory and practice. It provides a welcoming environment where students can learn, collaborate, and thrive, promoting a sense of belonging and well-being within the campus community.

BDG Architecten's design approach further prioritises student well-being by optimising the indoor environmental quality, tackling noise control with Rockfon white acoustic ceiling tiles. The ceiling tiles introduce Class A sound absorption and high light reflection, contributing to optimal learning conditions.

Rockfon ceiling solutions were also installed across the changing rooms and shower facilities. "With their many hard surfaces – which are ideal for hygiene and cleanability – the changing rooms and showers in schools are often very noisy. That’s why it is important to look for acoustic ceiling solutions that dampen sound reflection, but which are also resistant to the humid conditions in these rooms”, explains Marco de Jong.

Our integrated approach in relation to sustainability and the well-being of the students is reflected in the design of Yuverta back on all fronts – a place that encourages collaboration and meeting and where students, employees, and external partners can feel at home”, concludes De Jong.