Sustainable architecture - the school as a contribution to the new residential district

Assessment by the jury

The urban placement of the new school fits in well with the surrounding neighborhood and clearly stands out as a public building in the new residential district thanks to its clear rectangular shape. The jury was impressed by the calm and elegant architecture of the four-storey school building. The large terraces in particular, which are open to the green space to the south, lend the structure a certain lightness. The façade impresses with its delicate design, which is achieved by two-storey circumferential columns and protruding corridors on the upper floors. These open balconies not only serve as a second escape route, but also offer pupils a pleasant way of getting directly from the building to the schoolyards.

The building, which was deliberately set back from Rhenaniastrasse, creates an attractive green forecourt along the street. The required open spaces of the school were cleverly integrated into the trees on the south side.

The building features green façades and pergola-like canopies, whereby the planners take up the idea of green architecture for public buildings. However, it is criticized that the school garden on the building side of the main entrance is not well placed and thus lacks an urban presence on Rhenaniastrasse.

The school and sports hall share a common entrance, but are cleverly separated internally, which is in the interests of the school. The main entrance leads directly to the school’s central staircase and opens up to the green courtyard area via the canteen and the multi-purpose room. All the specialist rooms are located on the second floor, whereby the unlit collection rooms are criticized as they also serve as preparation rooms. The compartments (classrooms) are clearly and cleverly organized, and the forum (communal meeting room) is well integrated into the compartment.

The presented timber construction impresses with a high degree of standardization and prefabrication as well as a convincing design. However, the associated design and fire protection consequences were also taken into account. The greenery on the façades and terraces is attractively integrated into the design of the façade.

The location of the sports hall in relation to the residential area is viewed critically due to potential noise pollution. Overall, the work presents a convincing concept in terms of design and use, whereby the timber construction is well thought out and integrated into the architecture with aspects of sustainability. Nevertheless, it is emphasized that a considerable economic and structural effort is unavoidable, especially due to the two-storey superstructure of the sports hall.