Restoration and reconstruction of Miroslava Krleža Elementary School
Investor
City of Zagreb
Category
Public buildings
Miroslava Krleža elementary school is the oldest school in Zagreb. Due to the period in which it was built, but also due to its specific features, this school is part of the historical urban complex of the city of Zagreb and part of the cultural heritage. The first school year at Miroslav Krleža Elementary School was 1877/1878. As the oldest school in the city of Zagreb, this school experienced two earthquakes, the first on November 9, 1880, and then on March 22, 2020.
In the second earthquake, the school suffered considerable damage. A static inspection of the building found that the school is unusable due to structural damage to the load-bearing walls and the risk of collapse. The damage caused to the school due to the earthquake is the result of the age of the material, which has lost its load-bearing and binding properties over the years, which is why even the ceilings made of wooden beams are not properly connected to the vertical structure.
It has been structurally strengthened through reconstruction, which will ensure the desired behaviour and response in future earthquakes, in addition to the material's resistance.
After the basic intention to carry out structural rehabilitation through a reconstruction project, a number of changes were carried out inside the school in order to bring the building into line with valid laws and regulations, and this especially refers to the application of fire protection and occupational safety measures. All works inside the building and on its facade were carried out in accordance with the requirements of the City Institute for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Monuments. Some of the works are changes in the floor plan layout to ensure the standard of today's schools, which also includes ensuring conditions for people with disabilities, which is why an elevator was installed in the school. Additional works include renovating the entire facade of the school, replacing the exterior carpentry, performing thermal insulation on the inside, laying out new installations, and completely decorating the yard.