Christian School - Den Oever

The construction of the Zuiderzee Works provided plenty of employment on Wieringen. Workers from all over the country, as well as many support staff, found work on the former island. Almost all of these people had children, so in addition to houses, schools also had to be built.

The school on Zwinstraat was built partly for these newcomers. Most residents of Den Oever know the school as “Christelijke Basisschool De Branding”, but it was originally called “De Haven”. Before that, lessons were given in a wooden temporary building.

The school opened in 1931. It was designed by the Frisian architect Louw Reinalda, who worked in the Amsterdam School style. This can be seen in the materials used and the proportions of the building.

The old school is no longer in use as such. Artists Sjaak Kooij and Hanneke Kroon bought the building in 2018. They established Studio 1931, their home, their studio, but also a teaching and exhibition space.

Since 1931, education, art and culture have thus found a home in this iconic building in the centre of Den Oever, which was originally intended for the children of those involved in the construction of the Zuiderzee Works.

The building is privately owned, so please keep your distance to ensure the privacy of the residents.

Photo: ©Kenneth Stamp, Municipality of Hollands Kroon