Koulunmäki's new C building is a model example of modern school construction

In 2025, the new C building of Äänekoski's Koulunmäki school will be completed, which is in many ways a model example of modern school construction. Environmental issues and energy efficiency are widely taken into account in the EUR 21 million investment. In addition to recycling and energy saving, the building's versatility plays an important role. The exterior of the building is modern and stylish and uses the latest technology, but the classrooms themselves are very traditional.
The C building of Koulunmäki school is the first site in Äänekoski for which Rakennustieto's environmental classification has been applied for. An environmentally friendly building saves water and energy, produces less carbon dioxide emissions and saves money during its life cycle.
- Solutions related to the RTS environmental classification have been considered in all phases of the object's planning and construction, right from the finishes. Environmental classification is applied for when the building is finished and in use. The evaluation takes into account the entire project and all the conditions of the building: that it is built correctly, environmentally friendly and energy efficient. In addition, e.g. control of cleanliness and humidity and the multi-purpose use of premises. You don't always have to go with expensive solutions and we aim for 3-4 stars in the RTS rating, vs. developer manager Erika Räihä says.

Remarkable energy efficiency
In the new building, energy efficiency plays a big role and a lot of attention has been paid to it. Ventilation and other building technology are controlled by automation and adjustments can be made according to use. The heat recovery is even so good that the efficiency is at best 80%, which reduces the need for district heating.
In all new developments in the city, solar power is used in addition to district heating, and there will be remotely monitored solar panels on the roof of the building.
The Koivisto daycare center, which will be completed next spring, will also have the same energy-efficient solutions for building technology and solar power.
The recycling rate is high
Recycling is taken into account in the new site in many different ways. The demolition waste from the old school has been recycled and the material will be used as far as possible for other construction projects in the city, such as the construction of road foundations.
Construction generates a lot of plastic, wood, cardboard and metal waste, and all waste is carefully recycled.
Otherwise, waste recycling in the city's buildings is a good model and plastic collection will be added to the properties later.

School, music college and youth facilities under one roof
The utilization rate of the new school building will be unique, as it is suitable for a variety of evening uses in addition to school days. The new building will provide large facilities for Ala-Keitele's music college and new youth facilities to replace the current Youth Center Spot. The school's new gym will also be available for recreational use in the evenings.
The wishes of the users have been heard extensively since the beginning of the project. People from the school, music college and youth service have been allowed to participate in the planning.
The teaching facilities of the Music Academy will include, for example, slanted walls to improve acoustics. The music academy can also use the school's facilities if necessary.
The new youth facilities have their own entrance and kitchen, and they are perfectly suited for versatile youth facility and youth cafe operations. There is a household class next to the youth facilities, which can also be used in the evenings if necessary.
The two-story Koulunmäki School's C building is slightly larger than the old school, measuring 5 square meters. The building is plain from the outside, and not as colorful as the newer school next door. There will be wood paneling at the building's entrances and otherwise a single-colored brick surface. The school's main entrance leads to the main hall and the small study stairs, which are suitable for many kinds of gatherings.
Inside, the walls will have wood paneling, textile tiles and strong shades.
The subject teaching classes are very traditional classes, including the home economics class and the technical work class. The school building will have a multipurpose large library, students' own living room. The staff and student union will also have their own facilities. There is no dining hall, but school meals take place in the A building in Koulunmäki.
The foundations of the building are currently being built and the frame will be erected during the fall. The building will be completed by spring 2025.
Example pictures of the interior design and color scheme:





For more information:
Vs. developer manager Erika Räihä, 040 762 3811, erika.raiha@aanekoski.fi
News published 24.10.2023