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A resilient school: modular and resilient architecture for Bielszowice

Hornik Chmura Architektura | TKHolding Truszczyński&Kobierzewski

Education  /  Completed
Hornik Chmura Architektura | TKHolding Truszczyński&Kobierzewski

The idea for the project emerged from an urgent need to replace the existing school building, which had suffered severe structural damage due to long-term mining activity in the area. The unsafe conditions of the old prefab facility—such as sloped floors, wall deformations, and restricted usability—led to the decision to build a new school on the same site. The concept was developed with a focus on resilience and adaptability to ground movement. A modular, single-storey design composed of independently founded units was chosen to allow flexible responses to future land shifts, ensuring safety and long-term functionality. Courtyards and green spaces were integrated between segments to promote natural ventilation, daylight, and a healthy learning environment.

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The new school in Bielszowice was designed in direct response to the unique geological and urban conditions of its location. Situated in an area affected by intensive ground deformation due to mining, the modular layout minimizes structural risk and integrates harmoniously with the low-rise residential surroundings. The use of single-storey, independently founded segments creates a dispersed, campus-like environment that opens up to the surrounding neighborhood. Courtyards and green atriums between modules act as buffers, recreational areas, and visual extensions of the local landscape, enhancing both the school's connection to its environment and its role as a safe, open, and accessible public space within the urban fabric.

Birdseye view

Sustainability played a key role in the design of the new school in Bielszowice. The modular, single-storey layout not only responds to the unstable ground conditions but also minimizes material use and allows for targeted maintenance, reducing long-term environmental impact. Natural daylight are maximized through the strategic placement of courtyards and atriums. Greenery integrated into the layout enhances the microclimate and supports biodiversity. Together, these strategies create a resilient and environmentally responsible learning environment.

Classroom

The new school in Bielszowice, Ruda Śląska, was designed as a direct response to the extreme geotechnical conditions caused by decades of underground mining. The previous prefabricated school building had suffered critical structural damage due to subsidence and ground movement, making continued use unsafe. In place of a single solid mass, the new facility adopts a modular layout composed of independently founded, single-story classroom units. This decentralized structure offers a crucial advantage: flexibility. If ground deformation occurs in the future, local adjustments can be made without disrupting the entire building. The spaces between segments are filled with green courtyards and atriums that serve as areas for recreation, natural ventilation, and daylighting—creating a healthy and user-friendly environment for both students and teachers. The project was delivered under tight time constraints and required constant collaboration with geologists and surveyors, including real-time ground monitoring during construction. The school is more than just a response to local risks—it’s a model for resilient, human-centered architecture that transforms a damaged site into a place of safety, community, and forward-looking education.

Courtyard 1
Building a new school in Bielszowice was a deeply important social investment. We were faced with the challenge of creating a safe, modern learning environment in a location heavily affected by mining damage. Thanks to the modular design and the close collaboration between all disciplines, we now have a school that is inspiring and friendly for children and staff. It’s a place that truly serves the local community and reflects our commitment to safety, quality, and long-term sustainability.

Credits

 Ruda Śląska
 Polonia
 City of Ruda Śląska
 public utility facility,
 09/2024
 2900 m2
 Confidential
 Hornik Chmura Architektura, TK Holding Truszczyński Kobierzewski
 Marek Chmura, Bartłomiej Hornik, Paweł Kobierzewski, Andrzej Truszczyński
 Daria Gibiec, Wojciech Krzystała, Wojciech Kupka, Maciej Obszański
 Ecophon

Bio

TKHolding is an integrated team of experts in architecture, design, and advanced construction technologies. We combine experience, creativity, and cutting-edge tools like BIM (Building Information Modeling) or VR (Virtual Reality) to deliver comprehensive project solutions that exceed the expectations of both investors and end users.
Our designs are born at the intersection of form and function—each project is a harmonious fusion of aesthetics, usability, and technical precision. We work closely with investors at every stage—from concept and planning to implementation—developing tailored strategies that maximize investment value and ensure long-term effectiveness.
Environmental responsibility is embedded in every project we undertake. We incorporate eco-friendly solutions that reduce resource consumption, lower operating costs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of each investment. We build with the future in mind—economically, environmentally, and socially.

Tag

#Finalist #Polonia  #Facciata in mattoni  #Soffitto acustico  #Mattoni  #Scuola - Centro di formazione  #TKHolding Truszczyński&Kobierzewski  #Hornik Chmura Architektura 

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