At the current location of elementary school De Tjalk, an Integral Children's Center (ICC) will be built. A building where children spend a large part of the week for the first twelve years of their lives to learn, play and exercise. A warm and inspiring environment where children are challenged and stimulated. In addition, the building had to offer space for the Dalton education as given at the Tjalk.

The new IKC is designed around a central space. This is the heart of the building. In this space, there is room to work together, chill out or organize performances. The flexible educational areas around this space can be connected and arranged so that they connect and offer space to the core values of Dalton education. There is room for collaboration, independent learning and reflection. Also, the rooms for the playgroup and after-school care are arranged in such a way that they can be used multi functionally for both education and care.

The entire building is surrounded by a characteristic shell which allows the building to fit in with the environment but still have a recognizable and special function. Because of the special shape it also appeals to the imagination of both children and employees and residents.

Because of the floor plan, the building has no rear sides. The green outdoor spaces around the building challenge the children to move. Also, these spaces are a valuable addition to the playgrounds in the neighbourhood. Thus, not only IKC but also the neighbourhood can benefit from the arrival of the new building.

Although the building can be approached from several sides, the IKC has opted for one main entrance. This decision is characteristic of the degree of cooperation between care and education. The ambition is to follow the continuous line from toddler to 12 years old during the whole period the child spends at the IKC. This requires cooperation between staff and spaces that facilitate this cooperation. Literally removing barriers. That is why we have chosen, for example, to house the toddlers next to the preschoolers, to place the common playroom in the vicinity of both and to offer space for all ages in the central area.

From that space, you have a wonderful overview of all the groups in the building.