Schneider & Schneider Architekten

Description

The first stage of the extension of the Frauenfeld cantonal hospital contains the emergency tract and the intensive care unit. Allocation and materialisation of the internal function zones are realized similarly on both main floors. The central workspaces which are veneered in brown synthetic resin are centrally located and assist orientation within the building. Assembled around this core zone is a layer of different treatment units. The precisely set, finely arranged cubature of the two-story building of frame construction ties the new building to the existing section and forms the first courtyard of the whole unit: the bamboo yard. The front of the new building already offers an idea of the future appearance of the facility. Boxy windows of frosted glass elements in combination with fixed glass panels allow for natural ventilation throughout all areas, while the change between transparent and opaque glass enhances the visual effects of the building. All of the glass panels are held in place by a grid of concrete elements, whose vertical parts are alternated against each other by every floor.