Chazal School Renovation and Playground Transformation, The Chazal School project in Schaerbeek stems from a dual ambition: to transform a 1970s school building into a pilot of energy efficiency, and to reimagine its playground as a green, educational landscape.
© Bruno Dias Ventura
The school, originally a compact but uninsulated structure, had never undergone renovation. Over the years, its aging façade and outdated technical systems no longer met today’s comfort or sustainability standards. The project, therefore, began with a radical yet careful intervention: wrapping the existing building in a new energy envelope made of prefabricated insulated panels.
© Bruno Dias Ventura
This strategy preserved the original structure while giving it a second life. On the street side, the new façade is partially closed to improve insulation, yet still allows natural light into the corridors. On the courtyard side, the façade opens generously, offering bright, well-lit classrooms and offices. Inside, the outdated systems are replaced with efficient, sustainable installations: LED lighting, double-flow ventilation, low-carbon heating, and acoustic improvements.
© Bruno Dias Ventura
At the same time, the schoolyard was rethought as a key part of the project. Once a sealed and monotonous surface, it is now permeable, green, and diverse in uses. Rainwater is managed through open channels and rain gardens, making water visible and tangible for children. Biodiversity is encouraged by planting native species and creating habitats. The playground is designed as both a place of recreation and an outdoor classroom, where pupils can learn from direct contact with nature, observing plants, soils, and the water cycle.
© Bruno Dias Ventura
Play takes multiple forms: structured areas such as sports fields and play mounds, and informal opportunities created by rocks, tree trunks, and shaded gardens. Together they offer a wide range of experiences, encouraging physical activity, imagination, and social interaction.
© Bruno Dias Ventura
The Chazal School renovation illustrates how two layers of transformation – energy and landscape – can reinforce each other. By limiting demolition, reusing the existing structure, and working with prefabricated elements, the project embodies a circular approach. By turning the schoolyard into a living ecological and pedagogical space, it enhances daily life for both children and teachers. More than a renovation, the project proposes a model: a school that is both energy efficient and deeply connected to its environment.
Project Info
Architects: MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism
Country: Belgium, Schaerbeek
Area: 1035 m²
Year: 2025
Photographs: Bruno Dias Ventura
Design Team: Multiple Architecture & Urbanism
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.