The Finns see this school as a center of learning for the entire community, and that is reflected in the design. Music, art and technical learning play an integral role in the daily life of Hein vaarans, and the school is available to the community in the evening. A stage opens to both the gym and cafeteria, making the performance area adaptable to the size of the gathering. The school's exterior is pine, with a typically Karelian metal roof.
Interior woods are birch, spruce and pine.
Wooden clerestory windows flood the gathering space with daylight, season permitting. Limited daylight in Finland during much of the school year makes it critical to maximize use of whatever seasonal light is available. Design via high-tech communication came naturally in technologically savvy Finland, where nearly three out of four citizens have cell phones. The Hein vaara community, including staff, parents and students, had input in the design process from the beginning. As a result, they have windows as low as 22 inches off the floor, so even the smallest child can see out.