The environment we live in has a significant impact on our quality of life and this is even more true for the spaces where we are educated. Students of the Czech-English Montessori Elementary School Duhovka have now benefited from an improved quality of both life and learning as the school expanded its capacity to include the upper primary level and enhanced its service standards and comfort for students and staff. Throughout the entire project increasing functionality and improving the quality of the environment were key priorities.
The Montessori education concept is built on the idea „Help me do it myself“ which fosters a child’s autonomy in the learning process. To fulfill this vision a stimulating environment is essential one that aligns with the child’s mental developmental needs during their sensitive periods. However this also brings increased demands on space and its utilization.

Wood, Metal, and Glass
Considering the load-bearing capacity of the original structure, the vertical extension was built using a wooden framework, which remains exposed in the interior. Wood is also featured in the built-in furniture and gymnasium cladding. In combination with glass, it plays a dominant role in the classrooms, contributing to ample daylight and excellent acoustics—creating optimal conditions for concentration and effective learning.
Both extensions’ facades are clad in durable metal sheeting. On the gymnasium, the metal panels resemble traditional wooden shingles, while on the classroom extension, they form vertical strips that transform into shading louvers around the windows, adding lightness and dynamic contrast to the robust contours of the original two-story building.