St Laurence’s National School, Crookstown

St Laurence’s National School sits in a wonderful rural location, close to the River Grese, on the outskirts of Crookstown in Co. Kildare.

The design of the school was carefully considered to ensure it was sensitively integrated into its setting.

The plan form is serpentine, reflecting the shape of the adjoining river (as well as avoiding the visual fatigue of long corridors). The building is largely finished in white render, a material that predominates in buildings in the surrounding countryside, with elements of colour in the glazing introducing playfulness into the elevations and feature random stone walling at the entrance.

The layout of the 21-class base school follows DoES planning guidelines and addresses all recommendations set out in the Department’s Technical Guidance Documentation.

A double height entrance space, provides views out over the surrounding landscape, with the School’s multi-purpose hall, that also functions for community use, prominently located directly adjacent.