Franz&Sue architects’ vision for the extension of the primary and secondary school was to design a bright, open, and sustainable school. The well-thought-out lighting concept was a big draw in the architectural competition already. The materials used in this project are also unique: Brick, clay, and hemp were used to implement a sustainable, low-tech approach with durable materials.
A special feature is the feeling of space and brightness throughout the building. Daylight and artificial light were considered and harmonised in the implementation. Four classrooms and their associated open learning spaces are grouped into a cluster. The clusters are lit from four sides – both directly and indirectly through glazing. Skylights on each floor bring plenty of daylight into all the spaces.
Curtains serve as privacy screens so that the centrally located learning spaces can be partitioned off if necessary. This way, it is simultaneously very open and bright, but there are also niches and quiet places, creating different room qualities for both large and small groups.
The lighting on the ground floor strongly supports the architects’ concept and ambiance. A wooden ceiling with slats of different widths extends through the communal areas to the outside. The profile luminaires fit precisely into the ceiling grid, thus emphasising the flowing transition between inside and outside.
Standard elements were used on the ceilings on the upper floors – wood wool panels arranged in a herringbone pattern. The XAL profile luminaires had just the right dimension and integrated seamlessly into the architectural concept. By offsetting the luminaires by 90 degrees, the herringbone pattern is further emphasised. Attractive architecture was created using standard products.
Only natural materials which are both sustainable and simple were used. This is rare in educational construction. The exterior walls are made of vertically perforated bricks with hemp insulation on the outside and clay plaster on the inside, which also ensures a pleasant indoor climate. Wood chips coated with clay and soft wood-fibre boards were used under the screed. For energy, a heating and cooling system with deep-well and photovoltaic system was used. An automated window gap ventilation system provides controlled air exchange in the classrooms and also contributes to cooling in summer. The toilets are flushed with rainwater to save drinking water.
Silvia Mládenková Fritsch, architect, Franz und Sue ZT GmbH
I am a big fan of artists Carlos Cruz Diez and James Turell. Both work a lot with light and colour as well as the combination of artificial light and daylight and focus strongly on that. I find their various installations particularly interesting because they challenge our perception. They encourage us to question light and colour, which we often take for granted, thus sharpening our view of our surroundings. I find it fascinating to break down such automatisms.
Silvia Mládenková Fritsch, architect, Franz und Sue ZT GmbH
Details
Photographer: David Schreyer
Architect: Franz und Sue ZT GmbH
