Kerava central school – A learning environment that respects history while meeting the needs of today and tomorrow

Kerava Central School is a vital part of the city’s rich history. Completed in 1939 and taken into school use the following year, the building also served as a wartime hospital during the Winter War. Now, the premises have been fully renewed to meet the learning and teaching needs of today — with deep respect for history, and a clear focus on the future.

User Needs Guided the Design

The central goal of the renovation was to create spaces that serve a variety of users and adapt to changing needs. The school wanted its facilities to be flexible, comfortable, and safe — environments that support everyday life and remain functional for years to come. The design process actively included input from pupils, teachers, and evening users of the building.

“Above all, we wanted spaces that serve different user groups in versatile ways, today and in the future. It’s essential that the school day runs smoothly, but equally important that the needs of, for instance, the Kerava Music Institute are considered in the design,” says Principal Pertti Tuomi.

Alongside user needs, the design was guided by the building’s long history and distinctive atmosphere. Ulla-Maija Innanen, interior architect at ISKU Spaces, who was responsible for the comprehensive interior design, found the project especially meaningful because of the school’s unique character.

“It was a privilege to combine the building’s valuable heritage with modern furniture solutions to create a cohesive whole that supports both learning and well-being far into the future,” Innanen reflects.

Calm colours and materials bring balance to everyday life

A key starting point for the renovation was to ensure the spaces provide calm and comfort for all — especially those sensitive to noise and sensory stimuli. Addressing sensory sensitivity was considered vital for the well-being and learning experience of the entire school community.

Principal Tuomi is pleased with how well the solutions work in daily life:

“We wanted to make sure everyone feels comfortable and calm in the school environment. Now, pupils and teachers feel the spaces support concentration, and the day runs more smoothly because noise and unnecessary distractions have been minimised.”

According to Innanen, the sense of calm was achieved through carefully considered material and furniture choices:

“We kept the colour palette soft and neutral to avoid overstimulation. Wall-to-wall carpets and acoustic panels reduce noise, while soft surfaces make the rooms more inviting. The furniture solutions were designed to support focus and provide the best possible conditions for learning.”

The lobby became the heart of the school

One of the renovation’s key goals was to create spaces that promote not only learning but also community and social encounters. This vision is most visible in the entrance lobby, which has become the heart of the entire school. Sofas placed in the lobby invite pupils to gather, relax, and socialise — sitting, lounging, and chatting together.

“When I saw the students immediately make use of the sofas — lying down, sitting on the backrests, and gathering in groups — I knew the space worked exactly as intended. It’s rewarding to see the area naturally foster community,” Innanen says.

Flexibility and togetherness are also reflected in the school’s hall, designed for multiple purposes. It serves equally well as a venue for school events and physical education as it does as a concert hall and music teaching space, actively used by the Kerava Music Institute.

“We wanted the hall to serve many users and occasions, not just one purpose. Now, it adapts seamlessly from everyday school use to concerts and events — and that versatility has worked out wonderfully,” Principal Tuomi summarises.

A shared lounge as a natural meeting place

The renovation also took into account the needs of staff and the importance of smooth daily routines. A shared staff lounge was designed to offer a calm environment during the workday — a place to take a break, connect with colleagues, and recharge in the middle of a busy schedule.

“The shared staff room is important to us. It offers a chance to pause, exchange thoughts with colleagues, and recharge during the day,” Tuomi notes.

The new lounge has been warmly received and has become a natural meeting place for the entire staff. It also strengthens the sense of community that is felt throughout the renewed school building.

Open dialogue led to a functional whole

The Kerava Central School renovation was carried out on a tight schedule but progressed smoothly and as planned. User needs were carefully considered, and the team was able to respond flexibly to adjustments along the way.

“Collaboration went well, and the furniture was delivered on time. The end result meets our expectations and has received positive feedback from students, staff, and other users alike,” Principal Tuomi says with satisfaction.

Interior architect Innanen agrees:

“When multiple parties are involved, success depends on open dialogue and good cooperation. In this project, communication was straightforward, and solutions were genuinely sought together. It’s rewarding to see that the result supports the school’s everyday life and meets the diverse needs of its users.”

Kerava Central School demonstrates how a historic educational building can be renewed to meet the pedagogical and communal needs of today. A calm colour scheme, ergonomic furniture, and flexible spaces create an environment where both students and staff enjoy spending their days.