Sääksjärvi School – A Modern Learning Environment in Lempäälä, Finland

Expansion Creates More Space for Learning and Community

The expansion of Sääksjärvi School in Lempäälä, Finland, has added over 5,000 square meters of new facilities. These spaces support early childhood education and grades 1-5, all within a vibrant school community of 650 students and about 80 teachers and staff.

Principal Kristiina Marttila explains that the main goal of the design was to create a learning path that aligns with the school’s educational philosophy, where the spaces foster learning and facilitate smooth transitions for students at each stage of their education.

“The result has been highly successful. It was crucial for us that the spaces support the school’s culture and offer students an inspiring and safe path from early education all the way to the sixth grade.”

This expansion is part of the school’s broader development efforts, with sustainable building practices and flexible learning environments enhancing the flow of everyday activities. Isku Spaces played a key role in designing solutions for various teaching spaces and shared areas, using furniture to improve flexibility, community, and comfort.

Cell-Based Design Supports the Entire Educational Journey

Sääksjärvi School follows a cell-based model, where each grade level has its own designated “cell.” Students move through their educational journey flexibly, starting from preschool to the 1st-2nd grade cell, then to the 3rd-4th grade cell, and finally to the 5th and 6th grade units.

“We wanted each cell to have its own unique character and appearance, making the progression through the school years feel clear to the students and offering something new at every stage. At the same time, all the cells form a cohesive, recognizable whole,” says Marttila.

The cell lobbies and shared central area encourage natural interactions between students of different ages, fostering a sense of community. The placement of administrative spaces within the overall design further strengthens the school’s unified and welcoming culture.

Seasons and Student Involvement Reflected in the Spaces
The design solutions aimed to support the school’s cultural values of learning, participation, well-being, and community. From this, a nature theme and a visual identity based on the changing seasons emerged, bringing both comfort and a sense of recognition to the spaces. This theme was developed with student input, through a photography competition held at the school. The best photos were turned into artworks for the walls, and students also contributed ideas for the themes of the seasonal murals.

The nature-inspired theme, soft colors, materials, and the students’ personal touches create an environment that supports the school’s objectives and enhances the warm, inspiring atmosphere.

“We wanted the spaces to tell their own story. The seasons repeat in the colors and details, so that each cell feels distinct yet still part of a unified whole. The visibility of the students’ images and ideas in everyday life has increased the sense of belonging and made the environment even more unique,” says Principal Kristiina Marttila, pleased with the result. She adds that the overall design has received much praise from both students and staff.

Flexibility and Calm in Everyday Life

With the expansion, the school emphasizes versatile spaces and a calm atmosphere, supporting different methods of learning and teaching. The spaces and furniture were designed to adapt to various teaching situations, group sizes, and working styles.

“It was important for us that the spaces could meet a wide range of needs. For example, storage solutions also serve as seating and room dividers, adding flexibility to daily activities. The acoustics and color scheme were also carefully planned to promote calmness and focus,” Marttila summarizes.

The flexible design solutions, harmonious color palette, and thoughtful acoustics make the school environment functional and inviting. They create a space where students can easily focus, feel comfortable, and learn together.