Innenperspektive - Neubau einer Förderschule in Lünen | SHA Scheffler Helbich Architekten

2nd prize in the realization competition - New construction of a special school in Lünen

Jury praises the open space concept and the organization of the usage and learning areas

Considered usage arrangement

Mostly single-storey and horizontally structured, our competition design blends into the existing settlement and landscape as a link. Noise-intensive uses such as a workshop and a gymnasium and swimming pool are planned for the western part of the building, which can be used by clubs during lessons, but also after school hours and at weekends. The eastern part, which faces the adjacent residential area, is intended for quieter uses such as teaching and administration. The two-storey school building to the east contains learning areas for the lower and middle school on the first floor and for the upper school and vocational beginners on the upper floor. Four identically constructed learning clusters are located around a green inner courtyard with dense vegetation, which serves as an extended learning space and for rest and retreat.

Creating self-evident orientation

All usage areas are arranged around a common center. Together with an assembly hall and exercise and dining areas, this forms a multifunctional forum that can be flexibly subdivided as required. Generous visual relationships and axes as well as a structural guidance system create a natural orientation in the school building. The design with natural materials and the choice of glass doors and skylights create bright and friendly learning and recreation areas. The overall result is a barrier-free and ground-level arrangement of the main functions, which enables a clear allocation of the functional areas.

Outdoor areas integrated into everyday school life

The outdoor area to the north for use during breaks is divided into themed islands, which are adapted to the different age groups of pupils according to their choice of materials and equipment. A “green buffer” with extensive infiltration and meadow areas with fruit trees is planned as the north-eastern end of the break areas, which on the one hand contributes to noise protection from residential buildings and on the other to the promotion of local biodiversity. The result is a multifaceted play and learning landscape that offers every pupil a wide range of break-time activities.

Wood as a primary building material

Our competition design is conceived as a hybrid construction. Components in contact with the ground and stiffening components as well as those with increased fire protection requirements are made of solid reinforced concrete, while exterior walls are made of timber panel construction elements. The roof and storey ceilings in our competition entry are designed as timber-concrete composite ceilings. The high degree of prefabrication of the components ensures rapid construction. The significantly reduced use of concrete also benefits the CO2 balance. In addition, the largely natural materials contribute to indoor air hygiene and the well-being of users. Extensive greenery covers all the roof areas of our building design. Higher roof areas on the sports hall and the school building are also equipped with a PV system to cover electricity requirements with locally produced, climate-neutral electricity.