Tradition and future come together in new Norbertus Lyceum

The students and teachers of the Norbertus Lyceum in Roosendaal started this calendar year in a renovated school building. In approximately 22 months, Bouwbedrijf Boot completely renovated and expanded the monumental building on Lyceumlaan into a modern learning environment, while retaining the historical elements. As an example, company manager Arjan van den Nieuwenhuijzen mentions the many decorative moldings, existing interior doors, bell tower, stained glass and old tiles, which allow the old school building to live on in its modern look.

The Norbertus Lyceum involved a large and complex project for Bouwbedrijf Boot. "Commissioned by Vereniging Ons Middelbaar Onderwijs (OMO), we demolished about two-thirds of the existing school building," says Van den Nieuwenhuijzen. "Only the monumental part from 1925 was left standing, returned to its authentic T-shape and thoroughly renovated, restored and preserved so that it once again meets today's climatic and spatial requirements. The monument was equipped with new installations, floor finishes, ceilings, stucco and painting. In addition, the old bell tower has been restored." In addition, an impressive new building with three gymnasiums, a dojo, many classrooms and an auditorium, which folds around the monumental building like a U, was built at the rear, he says. "As a result, part of the monument is now in the new auditorium. The wing is free under a lightweight roof construction of ETFE air cushions, supported by steel trusses. That gives a very spacious feeling." To keep all the work on track, Bouwbedrijf Boot held regular coordination meetings with OMO and the Monument Committee. A double execution team was also chosen. "A godsend, also given the size, risks and unforeseen circumstances in this project."

Unforeseen circumstances

At the start of the project, for example, explosives were found in the ground, which had to be professionally removed, Van den Nieuwenhuijzen says. "In addition, we had to deal with concrete rot in the crawl spaces. The reinforcement in the concrete had started to rust, damaging the concrete and making the floor not strong enough anymore. In the roof, several wooden trusses turned out to be missing and asbestos was found in several places, which had a significant impact on both the project and our schedule. However, thanks to our permanent construction team and good mutual coordination, we were able to absorb everything and still deliver a beautiful and constructively safe school."

ETFE air cushion roof

A novelty for Bouwbedrijf Boot was the auditorium's EFTE air cushion roof. This roof consists of four layers of ETFE foil, which come together in steel trusses 27 meters long, Van den Nieuwenhuijzen explains. "Air is continuously blown between the foils, ensuring good thermal insulation and strength. Most unusual, however, is that the bottom two foil layers feature a print with geometric circles, which can also serve as sun protection. As soon as the software of the air cushion roof detects sun, a small amount of air is extracted from the bottom layers, causing the circles to slide over each other and block the bright and warm rays of the sun. This kind of solution is very innovative and unique in the Netherlands."

Glass joint

Because the Norbertus Lyceum offers education in astronomy, Bouwbedrijf Boot also built a star dome with stargazing, says Van den Nieuwenhuijzen. "What is also special is the glass connection between the existing building and new construction. Thanks to a glass roof and standing glass facade, daylight falls very nicely on the old facade in the auditorium and the school's rich history gets the attention it deserves."

Following the construction work, Bouwbedrijf Boot also renovated the grounds, including new paving, landscaping and fencing.