Außenperspektive Grunschule Wandlitz | SHA Scheffler Helbich Architekten

Primary school location Schönwalde in Wandlitz

Competition entry for an elementary school including a two-court sports hall

Six individual buildings form the concept of our competition entry for the new elementary school in Wandlitz. The maximum two-storey houses are planned along a central axis. The parts of the building to the north of the axis contain communal areas such as the day nursery, canteen and sports hall, while the classrooms are planned for the three south-facing school buildings. These are oriented towards the schoolyard, in the immediate vicinity of which an interactive learning path is planned. Outdoor sports facilities are planned in the eastern outdoor area in direct connection to the double sports hall, which are intended for sports lessons and public use.

The central axis is formed by an internal school street, which is extended towards the historic village church and thus links up with the existing surrounding buildings. In addition to its access function, Schulstrasse also serves as a meeting place and offers the opportunity for social and educational activities.

For each school building, a wrap-around balcony is provided behind the supporting structure, which, in addition to providing structural sun protection, also enables all classes on the upper floor to have direct access to the outdoors.

The school building is supported by a timber construction, which characterizes the design of the façade and the interior. The choice of construction material and the high degree of prefabrication of the wall, ceiling and façade elements ensure that the building is highly climate-compatible. Closed façade elements are clad with larch wood, while the balcony areas in front are fitted with fall protection in the form of metal netting, which also serves as a climbing aid for the façade greenery.

In addition to the existing trees that are worth preserving, trees appropriate to the location are planted to create a small forest that can be extensively maintained. Renaturation and ecological enhancement is recommended for the stream that crosses the property. The stream bed is to be partially widened so that new habitats for flora and fauna can be created along the stream.

The building’s power supply is ensured by a PV system on the roof. In addition, all roof surfaces will be greened to create a positive effect on the microclimate and support biodiversity. Rainwater is also collected and used to irrigate the school gardens and green facades.