Healthy Classroom Prototype
Basic information
Project Title
Healthy Classroom Prototype
Full project title
Healthy Classroom Prototype for Sustainable Schools of the Future
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
Healthy Classroom Prototype is an educational and meeting innovation space in Irpin (Ukraine), where 9 criteria are balanced in:
- COMFORT & HEALTH: daylight, thermal environment, indoor air quality, acoustic quality
- ENERGY: energy demand, renewables, primary energy
- ENVIRONMENT: emissions, freshwater consumption
The project makes a contribution on prioritizing the places and people that need it the most by creating best conditions of learning efficiency in any point of Ukraine.
- COMFORT & HEALTH: daylight, thermal environment, indoor air quality, acoustic quality
- ENERGY: energy demand, renewables, primary energy
- ENVIRONMENT: emissions, freshwater consumption
The project makes a contribution on prioritizing the places and people that need it the most by creating best conditions of learning efficiency in any point of Ukraine.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Irpin, Ukraine
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The separate 75 m2 module was created according to Active House's holistic vision by the private initiative of the Stockholm Studious hotel owners in Irpin (Ukraine). The building was created as an innovative learning space for education and work activities: lectures, presentations and masterclasses, events and meetings, coworking and yoga.
Unfortunately, due to the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine and the Irpin occupation in March 2022, all activities were stopped at the hotel and innovation space. Nevertheless, the project has shown in 3 years (2019-2021) the impressive balance of crucial parameters in:
- COMFORT and Learning Efficiency: daylight, thermal environment, indoor air quality, acoustic
- ENERGY: energy demand, renewables, primary energy performance
- Impact on the ENVIRONMENT: emissions, freshwater consumption
Scientific research "Clever classrooms: HEAD Project (Holistic Evidence and Design)": light, temperature and air quality - accounting the half of the learning impact. Acoustic quality and connection with the environment also play an important part in the efficiency of learning processes.
According to the Condensed report "Daylighting in Schools": students with the most daylight in their classrooms progressed 20 % faster on math tests and 26 % faster on reading tests.
The average daylight illuminance level in the Healthy Classroom Prototype is more than 750 lux.
The CO2 concertation is below 800 ppm by the hybrid system of ventilation (natural + mechanical).
The module controls the inside temperature above 21 C in Winter and below 25 C in Summer with low energy costs and impact on the Environment.
Based on these results the project has a huge potential for Ukraine's recovery from the consequences of war. Healthy Classroom Prototype can ensure a high level of education in new schools, renovated schools or as a separate educational module building in rural areas, prioritizing the places and people that need it the most.
Unfortunately, due to the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine and the Irpin occupation in March 2022, all activities were stopped at the hotel and innovation space. Nevertheless, the project has shown in 3 years (2019-2021) the impressive balance of crucial parameters in:
- COMFORT and Learning Efficiency: daylight, thermal environment, indoor air quality, acoustic
- ENERGY: energy demand, renewables, primary energy performance
- Impact on the ENVIRONMENT: emissions, freshwater consumption
Scientific research "Clever classrooms: HEAD Project (Holistic Evidence and Design)": light, temperature and air quality - accounting the half of the learning impact. Acoustic quality and connection with the environment also play an important part in the efficiency of learning processes.
According to the Condensed report "Daylighting in Schools": students with the most daylight in their classrooms progressed 20 % faster on math tests and 26 % faster on reading tests.
The average daylight illuminance level in the Healthy Classroom Prototype is more than 750 lux.
The CO2 concertation is below 800 ppm by the hybrid system of ventilation (natural + mechanical).
The module controls the inside temperature above 21 C in Winter and below 25 C in Summer with low energy costs and impact on the Environment.
Based on these results the project has a huge potential for Ukraine's recovery from the consequences of war. Healthy Classroom Prototype can ensure a high level of education in new schools, renovated schools or as a separate educational module building in rural areas, prioritizing the places and people that need it the most.
Key objectives for sustainability
SUSTAINABLE.
The project demonstrates that we need a healthy life first, with low energy consumption and a positive impact on the environment, building together a sustainable and inclusive future.
PROJECTS' IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT:
1. Materials.
88 % of materials have Environmental product declaration (EPD), 72 % of materials are recyclable, 100 % of wood is FSC certified.
2. Emissions.
Reducing the environmental impact. The Global warming potential (GWP) of the building is less than 10 kg CO2 eq./m2 per year.
and could be reduced to 2-3 kg CO2 eq./m2 per year by the variants of sustainably sourced nature-based solutions (straw and hempcrete construction), which lead the project to circularity and zero pollution.
3. Freshwater consumption is 25 % less than the national average (90 l/day v.s. 120 l/day)
4. Final energy consumption for ALL needs (heating, cooling, domestic hot water, electricity (appliances+lightening), ventilation) is 33 kWh/m2 x a
5. 67,7 % of energy comes from renewable energy sources (heat pumps for heating, cooling, domestic hot water)
6. Green roof is preventing the loss of biodiversity
7. Active House's holistic approach with a focus on the balance of Comfort, Energy and Environment is advancing circularity and ecodesign leading us to the transformation of the industrial ecosystems towards more sustainable practices.
Moreover, the project is a great example of financial sustainability for at least 2 reasons:
- 1750 euro/m2 construction price for a ready-to-use building with all equipment
- 15 euros/month for all energy needs for heating, cooling, hot water, electricity and ventilation in a building of 75 m2
The project demonstrates that we need a healthy life first, with low energy consumption and a positive impact on the environment, building together a sustainable and inclusive future.
PROJECTS' IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT:
1. Materials.
88 % of materials have Environmental product declaration (EPD), 72 % of materials are recyclable, 100 % of wood is FSC certified.
2. Emissions.
Reducing the environmental impact. The Global warming potential (GWP) of the building is less than 10 kg CO2 eq./m2 per year.
and could be reduced to 2-3 kg CO2 eq./m2 per year by the variants of sustainably sourced nature-based solutions (straw and hempcrete construction), which lead the project to circularity and zero pollution.
3. Freshwater consumption is 25 % less than the national average (90 l/day v.s. 120 l/day)
4. Final energy consumption for ALL needs (heating, cooling, domestic hot water, electricity (appliances+lightening), ventilation) is 33 kWh/m2 x a
5. 67,7 % of energy comes from renewable energy sources (heat pumps for heating, cooling, domestic hot water)
6. Green roof is preventing the loss of biodiversity
7. Active House's holistic approach with a focus on the balance of Comfort, Energy and Environment is advancing circularity and ecodesign leading us to the transformation of the industrial ecosystems towards more sustainable practices.
Moreover, the project is a great example of financial sustainability for at least 2 reasons:
- 1750 euro/m2 construction price for a ready-to-use building with all equipment
- 15 euros/month for all energy needs for heating, cooling, hot water, electricity and ventilation in a building of 75 m2
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
BEAUTIFUL
The idea of the Healthy Classroom Prototype with integrated Active House balanced approach fully reflected the philosophy and lifestyle of Stockholm Studios Hotel owners - Lagom, providing a new quality of experience for visitors and guests.
A new application of the project in a Green Recovery of Ukraine could foster a sense of belonging through meaningful experiences and integrate new enduring cultural and social values through design and emotional benefits.
Simplicity and focus on the sense of the building - the best conditions for education, leads to repeatability and financial sustainability.
"Sustainism is a new modernism", Michiel Schwarz.
The idea of the Healthy Classroom Prototype with integrated Active House balanced approach fully reflected the philosophy and lifestyle of Stockholm Studios Hotel owners - Lagom, providing a new quality of experience for visitors and guests.
A new application of the project in a Green Recovery of Ukraine could foster a sense of belonging through meaningful experiences and integrate new enduring cultural and social values through design and emotional benefits.
Simplicity and focus on the sense of the building - the best conditions for education, leads to repeatability and financial sustainability.
"Sustainism is a new modernism", Michiel Schwarz.
Key objectives for inclusion
TOGETHER.
Accessibility.
One important feature of the project is the possibility to proceed education even in COVID times:
1. Tables have a position to ensure 1,2 meters between students
2. Each row of working tables has separate access directly to the outside
3. A hybrid system of ventilation allows to achieve the level of CO2 below 800 ppm inside.
4. Strategically positioned facade and roof windows provide the highest level of sun exposure and bactericide effect.
The goals have been achieved and the project has a huge potential in the sphere of Green and Healthy recovery of Ukraine prioritizing the paces and people that need it the most in the education sphere.
Affordability
1750 euro/m2 construction costs for ready-to-use building and 21 euro/month for all energy needs sound like financial sustainability.
The next stages of financing and project funding could make it affordable at any point in Ukraine with a guarantee of the best indoor conditions for efficient education.
In case of the success of the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024, all prize budget will be spent on the final zero emissions and energy Version.
The owners are open to the discussion about public access to the Healthy Classroom Prototype to local administration, representatives of the Ministry of Education, schools, universities, veterans and their families to support vulnerable members of the community and increase opportunities for social interaction among everyone.
Accessibility.
One important feature of the project is the possibility to proceed education even in COVID times:
1. Tables have a position to ensure 1,2 meters between students
2. Each row of working tables has separate access directly to the outside
3. A hybrid system of ventilation allows to achieve the level of CO2 below 800 ppm inside.
4. Strategically positioned facade and roof windows provide the highest level of sun exposure and bactericide effect.
The goals have been achieved and the project has a huge potential in the sphere of Green and Healthy recovery of Ukraine prioritizing the paces and people that need it the most in the education sphere.
Affordability
1750 euro/m2 construction costs for ready-to-use building and 21 euro/month for all energy needs sound like financial sustainability.
The next stages of financing and project funding could make it affordable at any point in Ukraine with a guarantee of the best indoor conditions for efficient education.
In case of the success of the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024, all prize budget will be spent on the final zero emissions and energy Version.
The owners are open to the discussion about public access to the Healthy Classroom Prototype to local administration, representatives of the Ministry of Education, schools, universities, veterans and their families to support vulnerable members of the community and increase opportunities for social interaction among everyone.
Results in relation to category
Prioritizing the places and people that need it the most.
Healthy Classroom Prototype is an inspirational example of a beautiful, sustainable and inclusive classroom for any kind of school anywhere in Ukraine. It contributes to the needs of territories, communities and individuals that need particular and urgent attention because of specific economic, social or physical characteristics.
The next steps of the Healthy Classroom Prototype can involve the physical transformation and regeneration of territories and places, including small villages, rural areas, shrinking cities, places that welcome refugees.
Healthy Classroom Prototype can also address the particular needs of groups and individuals who are the most vulnerable, for instance, fleeing from armed conflict.
Healthy Classroom Prototype can also illustrate how the advanced implementation of “design for all” principle to the transformation of the built
environment can address accessibility issues for people with disabilities, as well as address aging factors.
Healthy Classroom Prototype shows how new ways of bringing various communities (multigenerational settings, when the building is occupied by children before noon and by their parents and local elders after noon for lectures, meetings, yoga, etc.) can bring new solutions to address the needs of the post-war green and healthy recovery of Ukraine.
Healthy Classroom Prototype is a new way of co-education and co-working and could be a bright example of impact investments for Ukraine.
Healthy Classroom Prototype is an inspirational example of a beautiful, sustainable and inclusive classroom for any kind of school anywhere in Ukraine. It contributes to the needs of territories, communities and individuals that need particular and urgent attention because of specific economic, social or physical characteristics.
The next steps of the Healthy Classroom Prototype can involve the physical transformation and regeneration of territories and places, including small villages, rural areas, shrinking cities, places that welcome refugees.
Healthy Classroom Prototype can also address the particular needs of groups and individuals who are the most vulnerable, for instance, fleeing from armed conflict.
Healthy Classroom Prototype can also illustrate how the advanced implementation of “design for all” principle to the transformation of the built
environment can address accessibility issues for people with disabilities, as well as address aging factors.
Healthy Classroom Prototype shows how new ways of bringing various communities (multigenerational settings, when the building is occupied by children before noon and by their parents and local elders after noon for lectures, meetings, yoga, etc.) can bring new solutions to address the needs of the post-war green and healthy recovery of Ukraine.
Healthy Classroom Prototype is a new way of co-education and co-working and could be a bright example of impact investments for Ukraine.
How Citizens benefit
PARTICIPATORY process
The hotel owners, hotel guests and architects were involved in the co-design, decision-making and implementation phase. The idea of the project was to create the best conditions for efficient education and work. Finally, all stakeholders achieved their goals and the building successfully functioned with real tracking of the building performance in indoor microclimate and energy before russian invasion of Ukraine.
Today the owners are open to the discussion about public access to the Healthy Classroom Prototype to local administration, representatives of the Ministry of educations, schools, universities, veterans and their families to support vulnerable members of the community and increase opportunities
for social interaction among everyone.
The hotel owners, hotel guests and architects were involved in the co-design, decision-making and implementation phase. The idea of the project was to create the best conditions for efficient education and work. Finally, all stakeholders achieved their goals and the building successfully functioned with real tracking of the building performance in indoor microclimate and energy before russian invasion of Ukraine.
Today the owners are open to the discussion about public access to the Healthy Classroom Prototype to local administration, representatives of the Ministry of educations, schools, universities, veterans and their families to support vulnerable members of the community and increase opportunities
for social interaction among everyone.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
INNOVATIONS
for the 2019 year of design and implementation:
1. Focus on balancing various parameters in 3 areas: Comfort, Energy, and Environment. Quality and parameters are guaranteed by calculations, tests and real monitoring.
2. Evidence-based healthy building strategies:
- daylight design
- healthy and low-carbon building materials.
3. Hybrid system of ventilation, heat pumps and photovoltaics, more bio-based materials (in next low-carbon versions).
4. The project is adapted to COVID-19 (it is possible to proceed with activities during the pandemic or seasonal flu).
5. One floor Healthy Classroom Module System ensures:
Uniformity of daylight illuminance and a hybrid system of ventilation by strategically positioned windows
Three-layered views and connection with the environment by façade and roof windows
“Growing School System” integration to all types of schools in rural and urban areas at all stages (new, renovation, building-in-use) just by adding the necessary quantity of 75 m2 modules.
for the 2019 year of design and implementation:
1. Focus on balancing various parameters in 3 areas: Comfort, Energy, and Environment. Quality and parameters are guaranteed by calculations, tests and real monitoring.
2. Evidence-based healthy building strategies:
- daylight design
- healthy and low-carbon building materials.
3. Hybrid system of ventilation, heat pumps and photovoltaics, more bio-based materials (in next low-carbon versions).
4. The project is adapted to COVID-19 (it is possible to proceed with activities during the pandemic or seasonal flu).
5. One floor Healthy Classroom Module System ensures:
Uniformity of daylight illuminance and a hybrid system of ventilation by strategically positioned windows
Three-layered views and connection with the environment by façade and roof windows
“Growing School System” integration to all types of schools in rural and urban areas at all stages (new, renovation, building-in-use) just by adding the necessary quantity of 75 m2 modules.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
TRANSDISCIPLINARY
Transdisciplinary has been in the c DNA of Active House’s holistic approach for more, than 10 years. Not calculations only, but balancing them is a key to real healthy, green and energy-efficient buildings. We are focusing on balancing 9 criteria in 3 key Principles (spheres, disciplines)
- Comfort (well-being, health, learning and working efficiency)
- Energy
- Impact on the Environment.
We have a very efficient tool for this - Active House Radar. This figure shows how all criteria with each principle are balanced against each other and depend on project goals and prioritization.
Energy efficient building does not mean "green' building.
Green building does not mean Healthy building.
But balancing the criteria according to Active House principles allows us to create real sustainable buildings (confirmed by digits), leading us to a healthier and cleaner world.
Transdisciplinary has been in the c DNA of Active House’s holistic approach for more, than 10 years. Not calculations only, but balancing them is a key to real healthy, green and energy-efficient buildings. We are focusing on balancing 9 criteria in 3 key Principles (spheres, disciplines)
- Comfort (well-being, health, learning and working efficiency)
- Energy
- Impact on the Environment.
We have a very efficient tool for this - Active House Radar. This figure shows how all criteria with each principle are balanced against each other and depend on project goals and prioritization.
Energy efficient building does not mean "green' building.
Green building does not mean Healthy building.
But balancing the criteria according to Active House principles allows us to create real sustainable buildings (confirmed by digits), leading us to a healthier and cleaner world.
Methodology used
APPROACH
Active House - healthy buildings for people and the Planet.
Active House is a building where 9 objective parameters in 3 areas:
- COMFORT (well-being & health, learning efficiency & working productivity): daylight level, temperature environment, indoor air quality, acoustic quality
- ENERGY: energy demand, energy consumption, primary energy performance
- ENVIRONMENT: emissions from materials, freshwater consumption
are balanced to reach optimal conditions for human health, well-being, learning and work productivity with the minimum energy use and impact on the climate.
Using Active House Radar from the beginning at the earliest project stages allowed us to find optimal solutions, save the construction quality, optimize costs and find the next step of the project improvement and development with a focus on natural-based materials and solutions.
Active House - healthy buildings for people and the Planet.
Active House is a building where 9 objective parameters in 3 areas:
- COMFORT (well-being & health, learning efficiency & working productivity): daylight level, temperature environment, indoor air quality, acoustic quality
- ENERGY: energy demand, energy consumption, primary energy performance
- ENVIRONMENT: emissions from materials, freshwater consumption
are balanced to reach optimal conditions for human health, well-being, learning and work productivity with the minimum energy use and impact on the climate.
Using Active House Radar from the beginning at the earliest project stages allowed us to find optimal solutions, save the construction quality, optimize costs and find the next step of the project improvement and development with a focus on natural-based materials and solutions.
How stakeholders are engaged
MULTI-LEVEL ENGAGEMENT
Effective experience and approach exchange was done horizontally with professionals (architects, designers, Active House community in Ukraine), hotel guests, businesses who organized events, lectures and masterclasses in the Healthy Classroom Prototype.
As was mentioned before, the owners are open to the discussion about public access to the Healthy Classroom Prototype to local administration, representatives of the Ministry of Education, schools, universities, veterans and their families to support vulnerable members of the community and increase opportunities for social interaction among everyone. It will help to connect vertically stakeholders from different levels who share similar purposes.
Active house verifiers confirmed the high-level parameters of the project according to Active House criteria. The next zero-carbon version of the building from natural-based materials will be certified by Active House Alliance International.
Effective experience and approach exchange was done horizontally with professionals (architects, designers, Active House community in Ukraine), hotel guests, businesses who organized events, lectures and masterclasses in the Healthy Classroom Prototype.
As was mentioned before, the owners are open to the discussion about public access to the Healthy Classroom Prototype to local administration, representatives of the Ministry of Education, schools, universities, veterans and their families to support vulnerable members of the community and increase opportunities for social interaction among everyone. It will help to connect vertically stakeholders from different levels who share similar purposes.
Active house verifiers confirmed the high-level parameters of the project according to Active House criteria. The next zero-carbon version of the building from natural-based materials will be certified by Active House Alliance International.
Global challenges
SDGs.
Active House approach could solve 11 Sustainable Development Problems from 17 globally.
The Healthy Classroom Prototype made a contribution to the next SDGs:
#3. Good health and well-being (the focus of the project)
#4. Quality education (Light, temperature and air quality accounting for 49 % of the learning impact)
#6. Clean water and sanitation
#7. Affordable and clean energy
#8. Decent work and economic growth (green buildings create jobs and boost the economy)
#9. Industry innovation and infrastructure
#11. Sustainable cities and communities (the project is a study case for all types of schools)
#12. Responsible consumption and production (Active House is focused on Renewable energy, Global warming potential (GWP) reduction, low emissions, recycled and recyclable materials)
#13. Climate action
- project potential is to produce energy more from renewable energy sources to cover all energy for building construction in 50 years life cycle,
- Global warming potential (GWP), Ozone depletion potential (ODP), Photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP), Acidification potential (AP), Eutrophication potential (EP) are 50 % less than average buildings according to the Ukrainian norms.
#15. Life on Land
#17. Partnerships for the Goals.
Only cooperation of professionals, businesses, citizens and city administrations, the Ministry of Education could give a chance for Ukrainian children to compensate for their childhood during the war through the optimal conditions of the school environment and high results in education.
Active House approach could solve 11 Sustainable Development Problems from 17 globally.
The Healthy Classroom Prototype made a contribution to the next SDGs:
#3. Good health and well-being (the focus of the project)
#4. Quality education (Light, temperature and air quality accounting for 49 % of the learning impact)
#6. Clean water and sanitation
#7. Affordable and clean energy
#8. Decent work and economic growth (green buildings create jobs and boost the economy)
#9. Industry innovation and infrastructure
#11. Sustainable cities and communities (the project is a study case for all types of schools)
#12. Responsible consumption and production (Active House is focused on Renewable energy, Global warming potential (GWP) reduction, low emissions, recycled and recyclable materials)
#13. Climate action
- project potential is to produce energy more from renewable energy sources to cover all energy for building construction in 50 years life cycle,
- Global warming potential (GWP), Ozone depletion potential (ODP), Photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP), Acidification potential (AP), Eutrophication potential (EP) are 50 % less than average buildings according to the Ukrainian norms.
#15. Life on Land
#17. Partnerships for the Goals.
Only cooperation of professionals, businesses, citizens and city administrations, the Ministry of Education could give a chance for Ukrainian children to compensate for their childhood during the war through the optimal conditions of the school environment and high results in education.
Learning transferred to other parties
High potential for transferability and replicability of the approach and methodology of low-carbon design with a focus on learning efficiency processes in schools.
Moreover, it is a goal at the current stage of the project: to integrate approach and building modules in the areas and for people, that need it the most.
Using Active House Radar at the earliest stages of the project allows us to find the best solutions to reach the project goals with minimum energy costs and impact on the environment.
Active House approach is easily applicable to all types of buildings where people’s health, well-being, learning efficiency and working productivity are important: schools, kindergartens, offices, hotels and all types of residential buildings.
Moreover, it is a goal at the current stage of the project: to integrate approach and building modules in the areas and for people, that need it the most.
Using Active House Radar at the earliest stages of the project allows us to find the best solutions to reach the project goals with minimum energy costs and impact on the environment.
Active House approach is easily applicable to all types of buildings where people’s health, well-being, learning efficiency and working productivity are important: schools, kindergartens, offices, hotels and all types of residential buildings.
Keywords
Health
Energy
Environment
Ukraine
Schools
