ARGE Hippmann Architekten / Rempfer Architekten
Primary school and village centre, Hailfingen
best architects 26
education buildings
Place
Hailfingen, Germany
Photos
Susanne Goldschmied
Description
The
new building ensemble for the Sophie Scholl Primary School in the centre of
Hailfingen follows the urban principle of a cluster village and integrates
harmoniously into the historic setting. Three compact buildings with gabled
roofs and traditional plaster façades form the ensemble, reflecting the scale and character of
the surrounding architecture. The arrangement of the buildings creates diverse
outdoor spaces: To the west, a village square strengthens local identity by
connecting the church, town hall and former tithe barn. To the east, practical
areas accommodate parking and a bus stop. At the centre of the ensemble lies a
spacious foyer that opens toward the village square and church. It serves both
as a circulation area and an extended learning space. The south-facing building
holds classrooms, while the eastern wing houses facilities for all-day care and
administration. A rooftop terrace above the foyer, designed as a «green
classroom» with a herb garden, complements the educational concept. The third building
contains a multipurpose room that acts as a flexible link between the school
and town hall, available for both school-related and public events. Inside,
exposed concrete contrasts with colourful rubber flooring to create a welcoming
atmosphere. The exterior design, with clay roof tiles, plaster façades and preserved
trees, results in a coherent and well-balanced overall appearance.

