Background and the need for expansion

The expansion was necessitated by a growing student population and insufficient capacity. The objective was to create space for eight new classrooms with adequate facilities. After a thorough analysis of spatial-functional relationships and static documents, the design was conceived as an extension and annex.

Design and layout

The extension mirrors the internal layout of a typical floor, while the annex completes the western wing, partially enclosing the courtyard to enhance its centrality. The annex's proportions ensure it does not interfere with the field's geometry, adding another pavilion to the complex and formally closing its compact shape.

Spatial arrangement

The design responds to the original three-wing pavilion structure. The western side houses three core classrooms and a staff room, while the eastern side includes two classrooms, hygienic facilities, and another staff room. Classrooms are accessible via a central corridor connected to two staircases. The annex features three typical floors, each with a core classroom, cloakroom, and corridor with a staircase, connected to the existing pavilion and extension.

Construction and materials 

A key feature of this project is the use of 30 cubic metres of visual grade cross-laminated timber, (prefabricated Sylva™ CLT Walls). 

The Sylva™ CLT Walls provided structural integrity and allowed for greater flexibility in design, enabling the creation of open, inviting spaces that foster a conducive learning environment.

The extension utilises a wooden frame connected to the existing skeletal reinforced concrete structure, with exposed wooden beam ceilings in the classrooms. Facade walls are based on a post-and-beam "sandwich" construction. The extension uses CLT Walls for outer walls and wooden beam ceilings, with all classroom walls in this section made of visual grade Sylva™ CLT Walls, retaining the wooden material's aesthetic.

Carbon footprint

The Sylva CLT Walls generated only 2 tonnes of greenhouse gases (CO₂e) to manufacture and only 0.2 tonnes of CO₂e to transport. Compared to the 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide that the trees removed while growing and will store in the building, this is a small fraction. Choosing Sylva CLT elements instead of non-renewables avoided 40 tonnes of greenhouse gases. (Source: Stora Enso Carbon Calculator). 

Wood origins

The Sylva™ elements were made with wood sourced from PEFC-certified forests, ensuring that the timber used comes from sustainably managed forests. PEFC is one of the most trusted and widely recognised certifications for sustainable forest management.

About the project team

CLT Slovakia s.r.o. are our partners based in Prešov, Slovakia, specializing in the supply of Sylva™ kits. The kits are used in the construction of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings, including residential homes, commercial properties, and industrial structures. 

CLT Slovakia offers comprehensive technical support and consulting services, ensuring high-quality construction and efficient project execution. They also provide training for the installation of Sylva™ CLT elements. 

ÚSPORNÉ DREVODOMY s.r.o. are a construction company based in Krásno nad Kysucou, Slovakia. They specialize in building modern, energy-efficient, and passive wooden houses. Their projects include both residential and non-residential buildings, utilizing advanced construction technologies and materials.

Architectural recognition

CEZAAR Award. The construction of the Devínska Nová Ves Primary School won the 2024 award in the category of civil and industrial buildings, which is announced by the Slovak Chamber of Architects.