The New Forest of Learning with Troldtekt

Erlev school in Denmark’s Haderslev is visionary and award-winning for many reasons. With all columns and beams being wooden, it is one of the largest timber structures to be constructed in the country for some time. Troldtekt panels feature there…

The school is unusual for the teaching method it employs. This comprises student-centred learning and flexible open-learning environments. The school has also just won Denmark’s prestigious School Building of the Year 2021.

Architects Arkitema conceived the design on the principle of a supported forest-like grid of columns in a fixed modular system. This supports high ceilings lined with Troldtekt acoustic wood wool panels to create quiet and attractive leaning areas.

‘A wonderful match’

Pernille Svendsen of Arkitema Learning is very happy with the acoustic solution, comprising fine surface wood wool panels.

She comments: “I think that the Troldtekt ceilings are a wonderful match for the wooden structures and the many interior elements in wood. Troldtekt is both an acoustic solution and also suits the overall design catalogue for the school.

“The panels have a surface that is a bit rough, but in a good way. A school shouldn’t look too fine and polished. It should signal that it can withstand use, hanging things up, exhibiting and moving around. There’s room for change here.”

The new school is in seven clusters, one cluster for each year group from 0 to 6 and a maximum of 70 children in each year. They comprise a variety of spaces ranging from small private niches to multifunctional workshop zones. The varied environment encourages the school’s diverse instructional strategies together with a strong focus on movement and physical exercise.

Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours. They contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings.

In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low-cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour.

Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available via telephoning 01978 664255 or troldtekt.co.uk.

More information about this project can be found here