The future of school and recreational activities in Laugardalur

This summer, mitigation measures and improvements are underway at Laugarnesskóli, Laugalækjarskóli, and Langholtsskóli. These aim to ensure better indoor conditions until individual school renovations begin.

The most critical actions were taken at Laugarnesskóli, where the contractor Ístak has been making improvements in 16 areas of the school. The work is based on EFLA's assessment report from April. The main focus is removing materials where mold was detected, such as old insulation and floor coverings. Research shows previous mitigation measures have been effective. This experience guides current efforts.

Langholtsskóli is undergoing mitigation measures. Workers are replacing floor coverings where moisture was detected. Window replacements in C wing are ongoing as part of its renovation.

Laugarlækjarskóli is preparing for improvements. This includes assessing the administrative area for future repairs. Several windows have been replaced in the school. Preparations for further window replacements are underway.

Reykjavík City's senior administration decided this spring to hire an external project manager. This person will coordinate planned school developments in Laugardalur.

After reviewing Langholtsskóli, Laugarnesskóli, and Laugalækjarskóli, the focus is on renewing the schools' weather barriers. This will make them water and moisture-proof to prevent damage. Preparations are underway to begin construction at the schools next year.

The City is working with the Cultural Heritage Agency to preserve the buildings' unique features. Laugarnesskóli is a protected building. Langholtsskóli will receive similar treatment. Both buildings are magnificent and represent their era's characteristics, which is important to preserve.

The plan is to insulate and plaster all schools externally using approved, quality materials. This will maintain their current appearance and proportions. The extensive construction work will begin next year. The project will start with reviewing and renewing drainage pipes around all schools. Window replacements are scheduled to begin in spring.

Verkvist ehf., an engineering firm, has been contracted to conduct a unified condition assessment of Laugarnesskóli, Laugalækjarskóli, and Langholtsskóli.

Previous assessments focused on specific areas. Now, a comprehensive review of all three schools will provide a standardized evaluation of their condition. This will offer a complete overview of the schools. It will inform decisions, prioritize projects, and determine the extent of necessary repairs.

The contract with Verkvist requests assessments of:

• Detailed condition of the structures' outer shell and concrete in exterior walls.
• Internal condition of the schools.
• Condition of roofs and basements.
• Photographing and mapping the condition of water pipes, drainage, rainwater pipes, and sewage.
• Condition of technical systems such as electrical, heating, and ventilation systems.
• Condition of acoustics, interior walls, flooring, toilets, and other spaces.
• Fire safety and security measures are also requested.

All assessments are expected to be completed by the end of 2024 to guide further work.

This fall, work begins with Department of Education & Youth experts, school administrators from Langholtsskóli, Laugalækjarskóli, and Laugarnesskóli (3L schools), and staff regarding planned changes to school operations. Each school must be evaluated both individually and collectively, as all will transition to elementary schools under the proposed plan.

The work will be done in sprints, meeting with school staff and experts. Architects will assist and then process the results from each location, coordinating between schools. The hope is to capture and highlight the knowledge within each school community and share it in the evolving school environment.