De Lettertuin Stedelijke Basisschool (SBS)

The project in Ninove, Belgium, involves constructing a new primary school on an existing site to provide a safe and modern learning environment for young students. The development replaces outdated infrastructure and responds to contemporary requirements for comfort, safety, sustainability, and tailored education.

The design emphasises greenery, connectivity, and adaptable learning spaces, with the new facility expected to open for the 2026-2027 school year. The school will accommodate both kindergarten and primary education within a compact, carefully planned building. The ground floor includes key shared functions such as reception, administrative spaces, a first aid and care room, kitchen facilities, a refectory for approximately 200 pupils, and a 300 m² gymnasium. Teaching spaces are distributed across the upper floors, with early-stage classrooms on the first floor and additional classrooms on the second floor.

During the competition phase, Jensen Hughes was engaged to provide early-stage fire safety advice, supporting the design team in developing a concept aligned with applicable regulatory requirements. Following the successful award of the project, Jensen Hughes carried out a comprehensive fire safety compliance assessment of the building.

This assessment addressed key aspects, including compartmentation, means of escape, risk rooms, and active fire protection systems. These elements were integrated into a coherent fire strategy to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and standards, while supporting the building’s flexible and innovative design features.

The assessment outcome was documented in a detailed fire strategy report, which was presented to the local fire authorities. This report also formed the basis for the fire safety component of the environmental permit application, supporting the project’s progression towards construction and delivery.