Elementary School, Bad Mergentheim

The new elementary school is placed as a compact structure along the north-south axis of the area. On the one hand, this contributes to a clear functional orientation to the neighboring buildings with a clear structural conclusion. On the other hand, a spacious open space opens to the west, which can be used in a variety of ways as a schoolyard. The ground floor acts partly as a podium that opens to the outside. Large floor-to-ceiling windows allow a seamless connection to the outside spaces.

Open classrooms and learning opportunities are proposed in the green area of ​​the schoolyard, whereby leisure and education can be linked fluently and through playful activities. This creates an inviting ensemble with high open space qualities that can also do justice to its role as a source of inspiration for future developments

Main programs such as the music room, library, sports area and craft room are located on the ground floor and are connected to a centrally located atrium that forms the “heart” of the school. Classrooms are arranged in two clusters per floor, grouped around open-plan learning areas that allow for a high degree of flexibility and customization to meet the diverse needs of each student.

A wood-concrete mixed construction enables a high degree of prefabrication, combined with a modular window system with integrated sun protection elements and ventilation flaps for passive night ventilation. These also form a warm and natural contrast to the ground floor. For the interior we propose a selection of natural and untreated materials combined with concrete- and wood elements.