Future-oriented and energy-conscious building for Vlietland College

Between the Korte Vliet and Johan Wagenaarlaan in Leiden are several outdated school buildings, which will be replaced by two new school buildings and a community center between December 2024 and 2027. One of these school buildings is intended for Vlietland College. Commissioned by Stichting Confessioneel Onderwijs Leiden (SCOL) and supervised by HEVO, a future-proof learning environment will be realized for 960 students, facilitating tranquility, structure and space for personal growth in its full breadth.

Vlietland College's new educational building is designed as a compact, three-story pavilion and is surrounded by greenery and water. The building will have three wings around a central plaza, with educational wings on the west side and a sports wing on the east side. Thanks to the building shape and the sophisticated facade design, the building will soon form a single entity. A modern climate system provides fresh air and a comfortable temperature. This allows the students to learn and concentrate well in both summer and winter and increases their well-being. The classrooms are designed so that the latest educational tools (laptops, digiboards, etc.) can be used optimally. There will also be a beautiful stage for performances, a well-stocked library and students can enter the gymnasiums directly from the building, which also encourages exercise. 

Sustainable and energy efficient

Elektropartners is responsible for the design, supply and implementation of all electrical installations in the new Vlietland College. This allows the building not only to function smartly and safely, but also to be operated sustainably and energy efficiently. "We are providing the entire building with an advanced electrical installation, matching the BENG requirements and the school's vision of energy responsibility," says Elektropartners' Commercial Manager Roald de Jong. Important components are:

1. Power supply and distributors

- A compact transformer station (630 kVA) forms the heart of the power supply.

- Main and sub-distributions with integrated Modbus power meters provide insightful monitoring for each system component.

- All supply lines to heat pumps, air treatment, PV inverters, elevators and control technology, among others, are distributed from one central point.

2. Lighting, emergency facilities and comfort

- Complete LED lighting installation, tailored to the different areas of use.

- Emergency lighting in accordance with NEN standards, with extra attention to escape routes.

- Light switching and control according to time-controlled logic with local ease of operation.

3. Sustainability with PV and energy management

- The roof features a PV system that meets the BENG calculation.

- The PV cabling is installed according to Scope 12 and is integrated with the energy management through smart power meters.

4. Security and communication

- Fire alarm and evacuation system with function retention (NPR 2576).

- Intrusion detection, disabled (miva) signaling and learning time signaling.

- A video intercom system at the main entrance.

- Full data network (Cat6A and fiber), including patch facilities for server and teacher rooms.

5. Cable management and finishing

- Cable trays and ladderways in galvanized steel, finished in color in visible locations (such as in the gymnasium).

- Piping in halogen-free material, concealed or tightly visible in a RAL color in accordance with the architectural finish.

A building that grows with you

Besides being functional and sustainable, the new Vlietland College was designed to move with the changing educational practices, says De Jong. "Thanks to the sophisticated installation technology, learning environments can be designed and managed flexibly and energy use can be accurately monitored and adjusted. The modular structure of the installations, combined with digital monitoring via Modbus and web-based dashboards enables the school to keep a grip on costs, consumption and comfort in the long term as well."

Collaboration as the key to success

This project came about in collaboration with HEVO (project management), BDP Architects (design), Pieters Bouwtechniek (construction) and DGMR (building physics and fire consultancy). In this process, Elektropartners works together integrally with the mechanical engineer and building contractor to ensure a smoothly running implementation, without concessions to quality or safety.