On the rapidly expanding outskirts of Prague, a new architectural landmark is redefining the relationship between pedagogy and the built environment. Completed in early 2026 by the renowned Czech studio Opočenský Valouch Architects (OVA), Vida Elementary School stands as a vibrant beacon of modern education in the municipality of Chýně. Far from the rigid, corridor-heavy institutions of the past, Vida is a porous, multi-layered structure that treats every square meter—from the concrete plinth to the expansive rooftop—as a site for discovery. As “Magazine World” explores, this red-brick sanctuary is not just a school; it is a community hub designed to grow alongside its town, proving that the most effective classrooms are often those without four walls.
A Vertical Landscape of Education
The architectural identity of Vida Elementary School is rooted in its response to a challenging, elongated sloping site. OVA navigated this topography by designing a three-storey volume that steps gracefully with the terrain, utilizing a ground-floor plinth of exposed concrete that sits partially within the green slope. This level serves as the structural and functional foundation, while the upper storeys are clad in a warm, textured red brick—a nod to the regional vernacular. The clever use of the slope allows for direct outdoor access from multiple levels, breaking down the traditional hierarchy of the “front door” and encouraging a more fluid movement between the indoors and the surrounding landscape.
The crowning achievement of the project is its roof, which has been transformed into a fully functional “second ground” for students. Topped by two corrugated metal pavilions that house specialized teaching spaces, the rooftop features a mix of play areas, outdoor classrooms, and vegetable gardens. This elevated terrace offers pupils a secure, sun-drenched environment for physical activity and environmental education, all while providing panoramic views of the Bohemian countryside. By activating the roof, OVA has effectively doubled the school’s usable outdoor space, ensuring that even as the surrounding area undergoes dense residential development, the students will always have a dedicated horizon.
The Full-Height Atrium: The Heart of the School
Inside the northern block, the traditional school corridor has been reimagined as a dynamic, light-filled social space. Classrooms are organized around a dramatic, full-height atrium that serves as the building’s “living room.” Here, the architects have utilized amphitheater-style timber seating on the ground floor to create a natural gathering point for assemblies, performances, and informal socializing. The balconies overlooking the atrium are lined with study nooks and rest areas, transforming transitional spaces into valuable zones for quiet concentration or small-group collaboration.
The material palette reinforces the school’s dual character of durability and warmth. Exposed concrete walls and columns provide a raw, industrial backdrop that speaks to the building’s structural honesty, while extensive timber lining and pastel-colored accents soften the environment for the younger occupants. This balance of materials creates a sense of “architectural health,” where natural light is prioritized and the acoustics are carefully managed to support diverse learning modes. Whether a student is in a traditional classroom or tucked into a timber-lined alcove, the architecture provides a sense of enclosure and inspiration.
Dual Modes and Community Integration
One of the most innovative aspects of Vida Elementary School is its operational flexibility. The building is designed to function in two distinct “modes”: a primary teaching mode during the morning and an “interest mode” for the afternoon and weekends. This allows the school to transition into a public facility, opening up its library, library, gymnasium, and multipurpose hall to the residents of Chýně. The canteen even spills out onto a private courtyard that can host local cultural events, effectively bridging the gap between the municipal government and the student body.
The southern portion of the site is dedicated to a comprehensive sports complex, which includes an athletic track, a football pitch, and indoor courts. In a clever bit of “topographical architecture,” the roof of the narrow facilities building bordering the sports field has been repurposed as a grandstand, providing a natural viewing platform for spectators. This integration of high-quality sports infrastructure ensures that the school is not an island, but a vital organ of the town’s social life, providing a space for healthy recreation long after the final bell has rung.
A Blueprint for Future Urbanism
As Chýně prepares for a significant influx of new residents, Vida Elementary School stands as a finished piece of a larger urban puzzle. OVA’s design anticipates a future where the school, currently standing somewhat isolated in a field, will become the anchor of a new neighborhood. The concept of the “two courtyards”—one public-facing and one private—provides a clear urban strategy that will allow the building to integrate seamlessly into a future street grid while maintaining a safe, protected environment for its pupils.
Vida Elementary School is a testament to the idea that architecture can be a silent teacher. Through its use of light, its celebration of raw materials, and its radical commitment to outdoor learning, it encourages students to be curious about the world around them. In the hands of Opočenský Valouch Architects, a simple primary school has become a sophisticated experiment in communal living—a place where the “trace” of the terrain and the “vision” of the future meet under a garden-filled sky.
