We are transforming a school into a learning village shaped by Faroese landscape

We have won the competition to redesign and expand Glyvra School — creating a learning environment where architecture, landscape, and community merge into one. Nestled between fjord and mountain, our design for Glyvra School will place nature and active learning at the heart of the next generation’s education.

Designed as a cluster of interconnected buildings that follow the land’s natural slopes, the new Glyvra School turns the landscape into an active driver of community, play, and learning. Much of the existing terrain is preserved, while green areas are drawn into the heart of the campus and the buildings naturally extend outward into the landscape. This creates a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors, encouraging movement, curiosity, and creativity throughout the day.

Sheltered play zones, varied planting, and natural wind protection make the outdoor environment usable year-round, supporting everything from hands‑on exploration to social interaction. Art installations and activity areas promote wellbeing, sensory stimulation, and community bonding, turning the school into a vibrant learning ecosystem for students aged 5 to 12.

Outdoor amenities extend beyond the school grounds; the campus is a social and cultural anchor for the Glyvrar. Landscaped courtyards, paths leading to the beach, and facilities for sauna and sea swimming are woven into a network of recreational routes and activity areas designed for everyday use by both the school and the wider community. 

The new music school will occupy the historic barn Heimistovufjósið, built in the 1950s by local architect Hans Pauli Hansen. The design honors the building's proportions, materials, and architectural character while bringing in contemporary facilities for music education, rehearsal, and performance. Dedicated teaching spaces, rehearsal rooms, and a concert hall work together to strengthen the ties between education, culture, and the local community.

The school will cover 10,000 m², accommodating 500 students across preschool, middle school, after-school programs, and special education.

“One project stands out and has managed exceptionally well to transform the blueprint—our needs, desires, and dreams—into a building that we are happy to have as our landmark. As a reflection of our soul, community, and history.” -Sigrid J. Dalsgaard, Jury Secretary and Project Leader

Construction will be delivered in multiple phases to keep the school running without interruption.