Bischof Föhn Architektur

Description

The compact school building is located along the northeastern perimeter of the site, creating a generous playground area to the south. Its small footprint maximises outdoor play space and preserves existing trees, which are complemented by additional vegetation to form a «school in the park». In anticipation of the planned expansion by two additional storeys, the requisite building permits have been obtained and the structure conceived accordingly. This will allow the building footprint and outdoor space to be preserved when pupil numbers increase. A clear layout ensures easy orientation: from the entrance, a stairwell leads to the central core, which serves as cloakroom and extension of the learning spaces, with classrooms grouped all around. Glazed group rooms and skylights provide natural lighting and visual connections to the outside. On the ground floor, the kindergarten is located to the south, with direct access to the outdoor area. The basement and foundation slab were constructed in reinforced concrete, and the upper floors were built using timber construction. Flexible partition walls allow for future adaptations. The façade is structured by large windows and horizontally articulated by projecting canopies and brise-soleils; vertical elements such as pilaster strips and timber slats create a sense of verticality. The building meets the Minergie-A standard, using reduced mechanical ventilation and automatic night cooling. Thermal mass is provided by concrete floors and exposed timber ribs. All timber was sourced entirely from regional production.