Deerns is proud to be part of the winning project team for the reconstruction of schools in the Ukraine.
The prototype project, Neighbourhood for Educational Wonder (NEW), which was presented in Vilnius, was designed by Scandurra Studio (Italy) in collaboration with Ukrainian architect Mykhailo Vustianskyi. Deerns Italy was responsible for the design of the school’s energy systems, with CEAS on the prefabricated systems.
Spotlight on Innovation and Efficiency
Sustainability, ease of reconfiguration and energy resilience were the key factors of the new school ecosystem. The aim was to reduce energy consumption by 65% compared to conventional schools, with an annual drop of more than 20 tonnes in CO2 emissions.
The ‘Future School for Ukraine’ competition was organised by the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a fast, efficient reconstruction of schools damaged after the invasion of Ukraine. Deerns’ participation puts the spotlight on cutting-edge construction solutions for the design of school buildings.
Innovative architectural modules, designed in accordance with the European DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) guidelines, will enable the reconstruction of more than 1,600 schools destroyed during the conflict in Ukraine. Neighbourhood for Educational Wonder (NEW), which was selected for its adaptability, sustainability, and speed of implementation, will serve as the blueprint. The project will be financed by the Ukrainian government and by European funds still to be defined.
Mattia Mariani, Operations Director Building Performance Group at Deerns Italy, commented, “We have always set ourselves ambitious goals, both in terms of energy performance and social value for the user community and the construction supply chain. In our projects, we strive to bring not only our expertise, but also the principles in which we believe: promoting the well-being of people, safeguarding resources for future generations, and creating a built environment that brings value and lasts. Sustainability, energy performance, and acoustics are not ancillary elements for us, but key factors that shape a project just as they did in this case.”
“All of our sustainability strategies are based on a Data Driven Design approach,” said Giambattista Brizzi, Senior Building Physics Specialist at Deerns Italy. “This means that every design decision we make is based on available information and climate data analysis. We employ computational design models that allow us to simulate and predict the performance of a building even before it is built – from thermal comfort and energy efficiency to the impact of natural light inside a classroom. These tools allow us to go beyond the concept of mere efficiency, focusing on the profound qualities of a bioclimatic and resilient design.”
Alessandro Scandurra, architect and founder of Scandurra Studio, added, “Schools are not just places of learning. They can be welcoming spaces, even shelters, offering assistance, help, psychological and medical support. In conflict contexts, this becomes even more urgent. Architecture must respond quickly and effectively, turning vulnerability into an opportunity for rebirth.”
Energy Saving and Emissions Reduction
The sustainability strategy proposed by Deerns is the result of complex energy modelling analyses conducted to ensure energy self-sufficiency: each school will become a producer of renewable energy, generating more energy than it needs.
Consisting of a central module surrounded by an outdoor recreational space, each school building will reduce energy consumption by an average of 65% on an annual basis compared to a traditional structure. In addition, thanks to the carefully considered placement of skylights and the use of photovoltaics, the school will be resilient in the event of grid-related problems, and 80% of each school’s spaces will enjoy natural light autonomy.
An Adaptable Modular System
To meet the need for speed and adaptability, Deerns favoured concepts of prefabrication and disassembly. This led the team to an easily customisable modular system that combines flexibility and reconfigurability, with concrete and wood being chosen for their rapid implementation across the country. This approach will be enabled through industrial modules that are then transported to the Ukraine, or thanks to pop-up workshops.
The aim was not to develop a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution, but rather a replicable, prefabricated building module that can be adapted to the specific characteristics of each site. This approach also takes into account specific variables such as the presence of trees, shading and solar radiation. In addition, the plan envisages various options for the reuse of waste materials. In particular, the finishing products will be made from a specially formulated mixture of recovered aggregates and recycled minerals.
Fully Electric Ecosystems and Water Saving
Due to the war, Ukraine has a shortage of electrical infrastructure, so the module was designed to transform schools into fully fledged ecosystems capable of powering themselves. This was achieved through a significant reduction in consumption and large installations of photovoltaics. In addition, each building will be able to share the energy generated with neighbouring residences, thus creating small energy communities.
Furthermore, each school will be equipped with special tanks for collecting rainwater, which will be integrated into the modules to allow the irrigation of green spaces and sanitation.
Synergy with the Local Supply Chain
The team also designed the architectural module for the schools with a view to synergy with the local Ukrainian supply chain. For example, the use of concrete and wood was prioritised, with prefabricated concrete panels that will allow local raw materials to be used to advantage. Components such as glazed walls will also be easy to transport, and the cladding will be in local stone.
More than a School
The project’s intention was for each architectural module to become the beating heart of a real community centre. Courtyards are intended represent the nucleus of a multifunctional educational district. Hybrid, adaptable spaces will encourage social exchange and community life responding, from time to time, to the needs of the communities living there. These include gymnasium spaces, sports fields, and meeting spaces.
Learning is easier with Green-bathing
Each school complex will make the most of natural daylight through large windows overlooking internal courtyards characterised by the presence of green spaces. The attention to biophilia, inclusion of skylights and presence of green areas will not only have a functional value. It is expected that the proximity to nature and the benefits of ‘green-bathing’ will also be important elements in facilitating the children’s learning.
