Safer, more efficient, and modern schools: our mission for 30 years

A child-friendly environment: Beyond aesthetics

When we design the shell for a nursery school, our priority is not only energy efficiency, but also the creation of a safe microcosm. In Bologna, VM Group accepted the challenge of transforming a school complex into a lively, modern, and, above all, child-proof building.

In this project, we demonstrated how our thirty years of experience can translate a technical requirement into an architectural solution that speaks the language of childhood, without compromising on the highest technological standards of 2026.

The choice of HPL: Hygiene, Color, and Durability

For the school in Bologna, the choice fell on ventilated facades in HPL (High Pressure Laminate). This material was not chosen at random, but for three fundamental reasons:

1. Hygiene and Cleanliness: HPL has a non-porous surface that is extremely easy to clean and resistant to graffiti. In a school environment, ease of maintenance is synonymous with lasting decorum.

2. Total Safety: We opted for a concealed fastening system. Why? Because the absence of visible screws or rivets eliminates any mechanical protrusions, making the walls of the patio and play areas perfectly smooth and safe for young guests.

3. Color Psychology: The color scheme was designed to give the complex a new identity. The use of vibrant yellow HPL creates a stimulating chromatic dialogue with the existing wood finishes on the walls. This alternation not only enhances the original architecture but also transforms the school into a sunny and welcoming visual landmark for the entire neighborhood. Yellow, the color of creativity and energy, blends perfectly with the warm tones of wood, defining a space that communicates protection and joy.

Thermal Comfort and Energy Savings

Beneath the colorful skin of the façade beats a technological heart. The renovation involved the installation of a high-density rock wool insulation layer, protected by an air gap that ensures natural ventilation.

The result? A drastic reduction in heat loss. In winter, classrooms stay warm longer, while in summer, the “chimney” effect of the ventilated facade expels excess heat, ensuring ideal comfort for children to learn and rest, with significant savings on municipal bills.

Invisible Safety: Siderise Fire Barriers

The most important aspect of this construction site is what cannot be seen. In compliance with the most stringent fire safety regulations for school buildings, VM Group has integrated Siderise fire barriers into the system.

These components are essential for stopping the spread of flames and smoke within the ventilated cavity. In a building frequented by children, we do not compromise: protection is guaranteed for over 60 years, ensuring certified and reliable fire compartmentation.

Conclusions: Designing for the Future

Renovating a nursery school means caring for the community. With over 30 years of experience, VM Group continues to innovate, bringing to Bologna a model of school construction where beautiful colors are combined with maximum technological safety.