school expansion’s louvered facade opens entirely toward the swiss alpine landscape

the meticulously positioned new building integrates with the natural slope of the site, fostering connections between outdoor spaces on different levels.

COIS edited by christina vergopoulou December 26, 2023 3 min

Comamala Ismail Expands School Infrastructure in Grimisuat

Comamala Ismail Architectural Practice takes over the expansion of a school infrastructure in Grimisuat, Switzerland. In response to a surge in population and the demand for enhanced structure, the Swiss commune of Grimisuat initiated a school extension project by holding an architectural competition in 2014. Sitting at an altitude of 880 m, the expansion of the existing school campus features a dynamic louvered facade and seamlessly integrates with the natural slope of the site, fostering connections between outdoor spaces on different levels. The meticulously positioned new building accommodates classrooms, a library, a 300-person meeting room, municipal archives storage, and changing rooms for outdoor sports activities. Recognized for its precision and ability to harmonize with the landscape, the extension has become a central and dynamic hub for the village.

school expansion's louvered facade opens entirely toward the swiss alpine landscape - 1 — all images by DMK Photography – Adrien Barakat

new volume’s precise position harmonizes with the landscape

The design by Comamala Ismail Studio and its thoughtful placement complements the existing school, preserving the wooded landscape to the south and enhancing the planted area. The western volume, along with the other structures on-site, establishes spatial equilibrium and creates quality outdoor spaces. The cube design, strategically positioned, offers multiple faces and access points at various levels, fostering diverse uses of space throughout the day. Inside, double-height staircases seamlessly connect floors, incorporating double-height elements that enrich the spatial experience and provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The entire complex benefits from panoramic vistas, making it a functional and harmonious addition to the community’s infrastructure.

school expansion's louvered facade opens entirely toward the swiss alpine landscape - 2 — the new campus seamlessly integrates with the natural slope, linking outdoor spaces at different levels

school expansion's louvered facade opens entirely toward the swiss alpine landscape - 3 — the school extension’s flexible and open design offers versatile uses of space

school expansion's louvered facade opens entirely toward the swiss alpine landscape - 4 — double-height openings and large skylights provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape

school expansion's louvered facade opens entirely toward the swiss alpine landscape - 5 — the design complements the existing school, preserving the southern wooded landscape

school expansion's louvered facade opens entirely toward the swiss alpine landscape - 6 — the western volume and other structures create spatial equilibrium and quality outdoor spaces

school-campus-grimisuat-switzerland-comamala-ismail-designboom-1800-2 — the strategically positioned cube design offers multiple faces and access points at various levels

school expansion's louvered facade opens entirely toward the swiss alpine landscape - 7 — Comamala Ismail Architects takes over the expansion of Grimisuat’s school infrastructure

school expansion's louvered facade opens entirely toward the swiss alpine landscape - 8 — the new building houses classrooms, a library, a 300-person meeting room, archives, and sports facilities

school-campus-grimisuat-switzerland-comamala-ismail-designboom-1800-3 — harmonizing with the surrounding landscape, the extension serves as a dynamic village hub

project info:

name: School campus, Grimisuat

architect: COMAMALA ISMAIL | @comamalaismail

design team: Marie Frund-Eggenschwiler, Véronique Heissler

collaboration: Atelier Jordan

client: Municipality of Grimisuat

construction: Balet et Ravaz – Direction des travaux, CSD – Ingénierie civile, Enerconseil – Ingénierie CVS, Protech – Ingénierie électrique, SBIS – Sécurité incendie, Amstein + Walthert – Acoustique du bâtiment, Préface – Façade

location: Grimisuat, Switzerland

photography: DMK Photography – Adrien Barakat | @adrien_barakat

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