Students at Thoricourt municipal school had an exciting first day back in a brand-new yurt classroom, one of several institutions in Wallonia now embracing the Mongolian-inspired temporary structure as a solution to overcrowding.
On Monday 26 August, students in their fifth and sixth year of primary school had their first Dutch lesson in their unique new classroom. Located in the commune of Silly (Hainaut province), the school’s main building could not accommodate all of its students after doubling its population following the introduction of a Dutch language immersion option.
The choice of a lightweight yurt structure came at the initiative of the commune’s education councillor Violine Herbux.
"In the neighbouring municipality of Brugelette, they were able to install ten yurts in just a few months. We realised that this solution existed, that it was quick and financially accessible," she explained to public broadcaster RTBF.
For the past few years, other schools in Wallonia have been expanding their teaching space by building yurts. Saint-Mard, a specialised school in the province of Luxembourg, built two yurts back in January 2023 with the support of the French Community Government. Then in May 2024, a school in Tubize became the first to build a yurt classroom in Brabant Wallonia.
With their spacious, bright and soundproof interiors, yurts offer what Namur-based newspaper l’Avenir called "a setting that is both idyllic and conducive to learning." Speaking to the paper, a student of Saint-Mard said: "Here, we’re a bit more relaxed. It’s much more pleasant because in the usual classrooms it’s a bit dull and annoying."
Anthony Mulligan, founder of the Tournai-based company La Yourte D’Antho that won the public tender issued by the municipality for the construction of Thoricourt’s yurt, highlighted the eco-friendly aspect of such structures.
"Yurts take very little energy to heat. The walls are thick and well insulated. In winter, the children will not be cold. And thanks to the heat pump, it will be possible to cool it down in case of high temperatures," he said to RTBF.
Students at Thoricourt are reportedly enthusiastic about their new classroom. "I thought it was going to be terrible to have classes here. I was worried that it would be really small and cramped but that’s actually not the case at all! It’s really cool," one student named Léa told RTBF. "Also, it’s nice to be outdoors,” added Elodie.
