The new building for the Goumoens elementary school is a consequence of the ongoing influx and densification of the districts of Weissenbühl, Mattenhof, Weissenstein and Sulgenbach. The area on which it is to be erected is an established location, closely linked to the existing quarters due to its variety of uses. The area is framed by the impressive scenery of the Steinholzliwald in the west and south. The heterogeneous but no less impressive stock of trees that covers the perimeter represents a great quality that is worth preserving.
The existing buildings appear as temporary structures in the landscape. The spirit of the unfinished blows around the area and gives it a special character that of participation and inclusion.
We propose a construction that respects, strengthens and develops the qualities of the place. With its footprint, the new building tries to occupy an existing clearing and thus preserve the largest possible number of trees and free space.
It breaks away from this order as an independent urban building block and reveals itself as a public institution.
The organization of the building is subordinate to the idea of an efficient, compact building that tries to maintain maximum quality with a minimal footprint. Within the building, the sports area and school area are stacked on top of each other, connected by an efficient core positioning.
The actual school rises as a four-story wooden skeleton building above the base, which was constructed as a conventional solid construction. Two-story wood lattice girders span the sports hall and characterize the beletage and the first floor.
The Beletage acts as the actual heart of the school. With its extra height, it accommodates important communal functions such as the multi-purpose hall and the leisure and dining rooms. The open orientation to each other leads to a switch ability and potential overlapping of uses of the rooms.
This floor is extended by a three meter deep, surrounding terrace. In the warm months, there is the possibility of linking school operations with the green space on all sides via external stairs and ramps.