Child center Bargeres

Slim aluminium windows with steel look enhance the aesthetics of the new child center

In the Bargeres district of Emmen (NL), a brand-new child center opened in the spring of 2025. Under the banner Together under one roof, the building brings together multiple educational and childcare services: primary school De Barg, Bargeres preschool, the Center of Expertise for Non-native Speakers, the Kentalis Tine Marcusschool, and the Taaltrein for children with language development disorders. Architecture firm DAT designed a future-proof building that is not only functional but also excels in appearance. For the façade, sleek Max Light Steel windows from Aliplast Aluminium Systems were selected, executed in cement grey (RAL 7033).

Safe and inclusive education

The new child center replaces outdated school buildings and creates an inspiring place where children come together in various educational and childcare settings. This bundling of expertise offers a safe and stimulating environment where cooperation and child development are central. The building was constructed by Hesco Bouw and officially opened on March 6, 2025.

A key design consideration was safety. Therefore, instead of standard tilt-and-turn fittings, tilt-before-turn fittings were chosen. This ensures that windows can only be opened in tilt position by children, reducing the risk of accidents.

Aluminium with the appearance of steel

In 2022, the architect approached us for specific window systems that matched his vision. Thanks to our vertical integration, we were able to quickly propose the Max Light Steel series as a solution. This range combines the industrial look of steel profiles with the advantages of aluminum: lightweight, strong, and low-maintenance.
“Thanks to the ultra-slim profiles, large window sections could be realized, allowing plenty of daylight inside,” says Marc Mulders, Sales Manager at Aliplast. “Moreover, aluminum is sustainable and ideal for high-traffic environments such as schools.”

The system’s performance is high: a Uf-value of 1.8 W/m²K, airtightness class 4, watertightness class E1650, shock resistance class C5, and burglary resistance class RC2. Acoustic comfort (up to 47.2 dB) and fire resistance (certificates EI30 and EW30/60) also make the system highly suitable for educational buildings.

Sustainable and colorfast

Besides safety and performance, aesthetics played a role. Although steel look is often applied in black, the architect chose cement grey with a glossy finish. “Our color range is very extensive and available with warranties up to 25 years,” says Mulders. “The coating meets the Qualicoat Seaside standard, offering extra protection against corrosion. Furthermore, the profiles are fully recyclable and Cradle-to-Cradle certified, underscoring the sustainable nature of the project.”

With this combination of design, safety, and sustainability, the new child center not only contributes to the development of children in Bargeres but also to the renewal of the district. The project illustrates how aluminium frames with a steel look can give a building extra character, without compromising on comfort and safety.