"The checked windows and the bright red facade were inspired by the idea of creating a playful and interactive, yet efficient building," state the architects. "The starting point was the square plan, and to span it most efficiently a two-directional grid was used." This grid was then transferred onto the façade of the building, allowing for a playful façade design — inspired by the original façade designed in the 1970s —, where multiple windows allow light to pour into the building. According to the architects, this creates "a human scale, allowing for changing outlooks and interesting insights."
The big glazed entrance opens up the main canteen room to the outside, while the cantilevering canopy creates a transition zone between the interior and the playground. To keep the appearance of the gridded roof simple, all ducts, ventilation outlets and lighting are recessed in the ceiling. The integrated lighting produces glowing wood squares that turn the structural trusses into a design feature. The building's main components are concrete, wood and ceramics.
Architects: SpreierTrenner Architekten
Structure: Ingenieurbüro Johann Ritz
M&E: Haustechnik Elmar Koller
Location: Salmtal, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Client: Schulverband Integrierte Gesamtschule Salmtal
Area: 552 square metres (gross building area); 2,630 cubic metres (gross volume); 1,122 square metres (schoolyard)
View gallery