Functional organisation HAK

The original corridor structure of the HAK is being developed into a modern cluster school with naturally lit access areas and new sightlines across all floors through targeted interventions. Previously dark, deep corridors are giving way to bright rooms with a high quality of stay. A central atrium extends from the ground floor to the second floor, while a skylight brings additional daylight into the deep space and enhances the bright, open atmosphere.

The idea of vertical communication is continued in open learning and break areas – the ‘marketplaces’: four marketplaces connect six core classes across two floors. A spiral staircase leads from the first to the second floor, not only connecting the spaces but also enabling new forms of exchange and learning. On the first floor, the core classes can be directly connected to the marketplaces via floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, while on the second floor, floor-to-ceiling windows provide a strong visual connection.

The HAK's route concept is based on the principle of circulation. Inside, a continuous walkway around the atrium connects the individual areas and provides orientation. The pergolas not only meet fire safety requirements, but also create open spaces across floors and activate the adjacent inner courtyards of the HAK. The core classes on the east side have additional balconies facing the school forecourt, which can be used as open-air classrooms.

Functional organisation BRG

In the BRG building, linear corridor systems are opened up to create space for contemporary educational concepts. A new timber-framed building will be constructed on the west side of the existing building, increasing the efficiency of the existing west wing and allowing for greater flexibility in the floor plan. The main entrance will remain in its current location, and an atrium extending across all floors and lit from above in the area of the existing main staircase will provide an overview and orientation.

The routing is determined by alternately arranged learning and break areas – ‘marketplaces’ – which expand the linear corridors into plazas and create visual connections to the outside and, through ceiling openings, to other floors. Five to six core classes are grouped around two marketplaces each and can be connected to them via large-format sliding doors to form open learning landscapes. Balconies facing the school forecourt can be used as open-air classrooms, as in the HAK.

Functional organisation of the pavilion

The new pavilion building presents itself as an inviting, versatile space structure in timber construction, facing the central school forecourt. The main entrance and gym access for external visitors are located centrally between the HAK and BRG buildings and face the school forecourt.

The canteen and multi-purpose room also face the square and, like the afternoon care rooms on the first floor, can be combined to form a continuous space. The two-storey gym is located in the basement and can be seen from the ground floor. On the roof of the gym, on the first floor, there is a green terrace for afternoon care. The two-storey library is located on the ground floor and provides visual connections to the first floor. The pavilion is accessible from all directions on the ground floor, and a second staircase leads directly from the basement to the HAK sports facilities.

Economic, social and environmental sustainability

The main objective of all renovations and new buildings is flexibility of use, so that the building can continue to be used even if educational concepts change. Attractive, adaptable open spaces, open room sequences, versatile pathways within the buildings, strong visual connections between inside and outside, and outdoor spaces accessible directly from the building on all floors increase social contact and contribute to the acceptance of the buildings. The predominant use of wood as a building material in new buildings and new components in existing buildings reduces the carbon footprint, and subsidies can more than compensate for the additional costs of timber construction. Single-type component structures make building materials reusable even after demolition. Demolition materials should be collected and reused in new buildings (e.g. as aggregates for reinforced concrete components) or in outdoor areas. The use of geothermal energy for the base load of heating and cooling reduces operating costs and CO2 emissions. A low exterior surface-to-volume ratio reduces construction and operating costs.

Facade design

In accordance with the building physics findings, the existing facades of HAK and BRG must be completely renovated. The window parapets of the shell, some of which will be retained, will be covered with a wooden window facade. Existing ceilings and columns will be insulated on the facade side and clad with wooden panels.

Wood will be used as a building material for all façades. Another common feature of all buildings is a façade grid, which varies from building to building. While the vertical supports in the pavilion are spaced 4.80 metres apart, this is reduced to 2.40 metres in the BRG and 60 centimetres in the HAK. The façade of the pavilion is further differentiated by filling the façade grid with alternating transparent, opaque and green façade elements.