Väsjöskolan is located in the expanding area of Väsjön in Sollentuna. The identity of the place is shaped by its proximity to Rörsjöskogens nature reserve, Väsjöbacken, and the lake Väsjön. The hilly terrain and the adjacent natural surroundings form the basis for the project’s design.
The school is built on a plot with challenging topography. The northern part of the schoolyard, where the preschool is located, is about six meters higher than the southern part. To create a functional and varied outdoor environment, the yard has been developed inseveral terraced levels. These height differences create a variety of spatial experiences—from smaller areas for study and play to larger spaces for ball games and communal activities. In addition to the terraces, there is preserved natural land with the character of rocky pine forest. This natural area, which we call “Lilla Väsjöskogen,” contributes to more informal play spaces and forms a natural link between the schoolyard and its surrounding landscape.
A recurring theme in the project is reuse—of both materials and character. Stone blocks found on the site have been preserved and integrated into the slopes, as well as used as defining elements. Felled trees have been repurposed as borders and play equipment in Lilla Väsjöskogen. The result is a schoolyard in harmony with the surrounding nature.
Data
Landscape architecture: Nivå Landskapsarkitektur
Photographer: Robin Hayes
Client: SSEA, SKAB Sollentuna kommunfastigheter AB
Project team: Göran Lindberg, Ludvig Bratt, Erik Ståhlbom, Christiaan SmitsSchool building and Mobility House: Appell Arkitektkontor
Year: 2022–2025
Location: Väsjö, Sollentuna
Keywords: School environment
