The new building is located at the foot of the existing slope between the new playground and the street. The positioning of the compact volume creates a safe and private break area for the school to the north-east, while at the same time providing an open and generous street frontage to the south-west. The architectural form of the new building is inspired by the main school building to the east. It consists of two sloping roof structures that adapt to the existing topography and blend harmoniously into the townscape thanks to their slight offset from each other. The south-facing sloping roof also provides effective solar shading for the sports hall, the assembly hall and the Blockzeiten room.
A central aspect of the project is the redesign of the outdoor area into an attractive and versatile space that promotes social interaction and learning. The carefully planned arrangement of play and recreational areas between the buildings creates a lively and inviting atmosphere that encourages children to linger and explore. Particular attention is paid to sustainability by using durable materials and biodiverse planting that not only provides shade but also has a positive impact on the microclimate.
An additional focus lies on the creation of visual and functional connections within the building. Elements such as arcades, staircases and passageways are not only used as circulation routes, but are also designed as places for people to meet and socialise. The arcade in particular acts as a threshold between the hall and the break area, and it fulfils a dual function as a circulation and recreation space.
A holistic sustainability strategy is being pursued with regard to the construction of the building. This includes the use of eco-friendly building materials such as wood and recycled concrete to reduce the carbon footprint and promote healthy and environmentally friendly construction methods. The use of regenerative materials such as wood, hemp and clay helps to reduce CO2 emissions during construction while ensuring a healthy indoor climate, which supports the implementation of a low-tech strategy. The building is planned with as little technical equipment as possible. Energy-efficient measures such as night-time cooling and the integration of photovoltaics are intended to minimise energy consumption and operate the building sustainably. Overall, the project not only contributes to improving the school's infrastructure, but also sets an important example for sustainable and future-orientated school area development.
