2nd prize in the competition: Gymnasium Spardorf.

A design that engages with its users and the outdoor space

We are proud to have won 2nd prize in the restricted competition for the construction of the new Emil von Behring High School in Spardorf, Bavaria. A new building is to be constructed there for a large high school with around 1,500 students - construction costs of around 60 million euros are estimated. Our design was able to prevail over those of numerous renowned offices from all over Germany.

The competition site borders directly on a large forest, and the new building is to replace the existing building with brutalist leanings from the 1970s. For the solution of the task we have chosen a prudent approach, an approach that takes into account both the needs of modern pedagogy and the realities of the landscape context.

This creates a natural learning landscape that allows the exterior and interior to become one: the forest literally flows over the building, greenery characterizes the spaces in between, and nature interlocks with parts of the building. Many rooms can be opened widely to the outside.

The new building does not correspond to the classic building - here nature and school form a unit. The implementation as a timber hybrid building is only consistent and continues the sustainable, conscious handling of the environment also in the construction method.

Praise from the jury: interweaving of space and outdoor space

Our implementation as a small-scale building complex in dialogue with its surroundings appeals to and is particularly emphasized by the competition jury:

The pavilion-like structure clearly distinguishes the competition entry from its competitors. In particular, the interweaving of space and outdoor spaces or building and nature should be mentioned in this context.

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<div class="author_Name">Urteil der Jury</div>
<div class="author_position">Emil-von-Behring-Gymnasium Spardorf</div>
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You can get a detailed picture of the design of the Spardorf Gymnasium in our detailed project text.