Schmid Schärer Architekten

Description

The Lufingen school complex, originally built in the 1960s, was first expanded in 2013 with a meandering building ensemble that nestles into the hillside, surrounded by farmland. Its timeless architecture, awarded the 2013 Concrete Prize, integrates well with the heritage-listed existing structures. In continuation of this language, the classroom wing was extended by four rooms. At the end of the meander, a new timber sports hall was added, referencing the surrounding greenhouses and existing school buildings. Green timber louvres in front of the polycarbonate façade echo the rhythm of the concrete columns, while translucent Rodeca panels recall the glass block façade of the older gym at the opposite end. The 60-millimetre-thick, 500-millimetre-wide and 5-metre-high panels are light enough to be handled by one person and offer a U-value of 0.7. Compared to a glazed façade with aluminium profiles, this solution reduces CO₂ emissions by nearly two-thirds. The translucent cladding ensures diffuse daylight without glare, eliminating the need for sun shading and allowing full daylight use. A controlled natural ventilation system ensures a healthy, cool indoor climate, aligned with a consistent low-tech strategy.