The School of Adolfsberg

The School of Adolfsberg in Knivsta north of Stockholm

A cost effective, simple approach with great sound absorption resulted in a stunning design building, the Adolfberg School. This is the second certified Passive House school in the municipality of Knivsta, Sweden.

Excellent thought-out architecture elevates Swedish schools

How difficult can it really be to construct a school in modern Sweden? The simple answer is “very tough." Of course, one could argue that a solid concrete floor and a roof over one's head are sufficient for individuals who wish to learn. But most people know that building schools present many difficulties.

In December 2018, the Passive House school — the School of Adolfsberg in Knivsta, Sweden — was inaugurated. The school was designed by architect Mattias Palme of LLP architect office, with sustainability, interior atmosphere, and acoustics as top priorities. The school environment should be tranquil and safe while also encouraging creativity, social engagement, and study serenity.

Mattias Palme shared his thoughts: "In this open floor layout, the children must be able to work in groups as well as immerse themselves in individual study. The importance of acoustics in this regard cannot be overstated.”

“We have chosen the Rockfon® Industrial™ Nature ceiling which is mounted with a screw and washer directly to the soffit. This is a simple and cost-effective solution. To complement the acoustic ceiling tiles, we chose wall absorbers and a textile mat made of recycled material. This captures dust and has a positive effect on the indoor climate, provided that you clean regularly.”

Acoustic Safety & Comfort

A solution that is a mix of traditional space dividers and open spaces has been chosen. Mattias explains:

“There are teachers that roam about the room while carrying out a variety of activities, so an acoustic ceiling is critical. We created a sound environment in which absorption and reflection interact and complement one another. For example, it is feasible to stand next to the large staircase and speak to a crowd without using a microphone, without affecting the study area.”

The aesthetic expression

The fact that a solution is simple and inexpensive does not always imply that its aesthetic expression has compromised. Many people have commented on how magnificent the ceiling is since the school opened, and Mattias is quite happy with the outcome.

The ceiling contractor did an excellent job installing the acoustic tiles. We changed the colour scheme in the other rooms to be a similar green to the acoustic panels to create a cohesive look.