This morning, the management of GO! Primary School Kiliaan symbolically laid the first stone of its new school building. The ceremony took place in the presence of numerous guests, including Duffel mayor Sofie Joosen. A green learning environment, a sense of safety, and tailored education are at the heart of the new campus design. If everything goes according to plan, the first preschoolers and pupils will start school in the new building in September 2027.
The nearly 2-hectare site is located on the edge of Duffel’s town centre, between Rooienberg and Kasteelstraat. Surrounded by greenery, the compact two-storey building will house both kindergarten and primary education. Designed by Hasa Architecten, the campus includes generous play areas, a forest classroom, outdoor learning zones, and a neighbourhood park along Kasteelstraat. A light-filled atrium forms the heart of the school, connecting various learning spaces, the cafeteria, and the covered playgrounds.
"Our new school will be an open, welcoming space where children learn together in flexible environments. The atrium is the beating heart of the building: it’s where we host performances and showcase what’s growing and developing in the classroom. Around that central space are landscape classrooms with corners for instruction, quiet work, play, and discovery."
Kim Biesen, Principal of GO! Primary School Kiliaan
"We translated GO!’s educational vision into a flexible building, set in nature, that not only meets the school’s current needs but is also adaptable to future generations."
Sarah Flebus, Hasa Architecten
Green and widely shared use
The new Kiliaan campus is conceived as a green oasis for playing and learning. Much of the current paving will be replaced by grass, planting areas, and play mounds. Existing trees will be preserved as much as possible and complemented by native species, boosting biodiversity and creating a cooler microclimate.
At the front of the site (Rooienberg side), a safe and welcoming entrance will feature a kiss & ride zone, a green parking area, and ample space for pedestrians and cyclists. Behind the building, both paved and green playgrounds will include engaging elements for children. The forest classroom, vegetable gardens (for both school and neighbourhood), and a nature learning trail will give teachers extra opportunities for outdoor lessons. On the Kasteelstraat side, a neighbourhood park will link the school to the surrounding residential area, with space for play zones, a small sports field, and a community garden.
Peace of mind through long-term partnership
Aurora Scholen is responsible for designing, building, financing, and maintaining the new school infrastructure. Within the consortium, investors EPICo and Rebel are working together with contractors Democo and Van Roey.
"We're not just building a school — we’re investing in a place that will empower generations of children. Through this consortium, we’re also taking care of the school’s maintenance for the next 30 years, via The Energy Circle. That gives the school strong guarantees and peace of mind: issues like wear and tear or repair costs no longer fall on the shoulders of the school council or parents’ committee. They can focus their time and energy on what really matters: education and a strong learning community."
Jochen Willen, CEO of Democo
