a new school constructed by behnisch architekten, alongside architekturbüro leinhäupl + neuber, has been built in germany. ‘ergolding secondary school’ features a large open atrium as its focal point, providing an instant visual connection among the institution’s various departments, in addition to serving as an assembly hall. this color-coded central hub allows students to intuitively find their way around the building.

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
the school features a large open atrium at the heart of its design
all images courtesy of behnisch architekten

 

 

each area of the project has been designed to be as flexible as possible, with circulation spaces becoming extensions of the learning environment. as well as offering informal meeting points for both students and teachers, these zones provide places for both individual and collaborative study.

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
flexible classrooms can be divided into smaller work areas

 

 

at the third level, science labs feature a partition wall enabling the room to be divided into smaller work spaces, while teachers’ work rooms are placed between the individual lecture rooms and laboratories. these versatile classrooms have been designed to accommodate the needs of a modern educational environment. at lower levels the gymnasium, cafeteria and break out areas can be found.

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
throughout the interior, large quantities of natural daylight enhance occupants’ comfort and well-being

 

 

the scheme also has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability with a ground source heat-pump, located beneath the playground, meeting 85% of the building’s heating demands. working both manually and automatically, an air conditioning system provides high quality air throughout the day, while classrooms oriented north channel daylight from southern areas of the school through the implementation of light-directing solutions. additionally, LED lighting is used throughout the design, saving up to 70% of energy when compared to more conventional systems.

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
circulation spaces become extensions of the classrooms

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
hallways are open and brightly lit

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
color-coded volumes assist wayfinding

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
circulation spaces serve as informal meeting points for students and teachers

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
a ground source heat-pump beneath the playground meets 85% of the building’s heating demands

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
LED lighting is used throughout, saving up to 70% of energy when compared to conventional lighting systems

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
site plan showing the green areas of the scheme

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
floor plan indicating the layout of the new building

behnisch architekten realizes ergolding secondary school
sectional drawing

 

 

project info:

 

location: ergolding, germany
client: district of landshut
completed: 2013
area: 12,500 sqm (135,000 sqf)
volume: 55,000 sqm (1,940,000 sqf)