Assignment

The extension and renovation of the Kappeli primary school building in Buch was published as a project competition in fall 2020. Bob Gysin und Partner BGP Architekten was invited as a team to spend two months developing a design that meets the requirements of a contemporary school building. The project was awarded 3rd place.

Concept

The site is characterized by a high spatial quality and heterogeneous building structures. The extension mediates between these different scales by implementing the spatial program in three volumes that are connected to the existing building using a hinge. This creates an integrative ensemble that forms independent focal points of use that are ideally linked operationally.

The hinge forms the pivotal point that ensures an attractive address, good orientation, short distances and an optimal connection to the existing building. Due to the fire protection concept, all horizontal access areas can be freely furnished and used for teaching purposes. This creates a multifunctional spatial structure that meets the current needs of students and teachers while ensuring long-term adaptability to new pedagogical requirements.

Combined with the external spatial references as well as the views in and out, an inspiring learning landscape is being created that will become a role model in the region thanks to its spaciousness and generosity as well as its intimacy and architectural design. The new building also offers a place to retreat and is a role model in the region thanks to its sustainable wood-hybrid construction.

The project can be found at the website of Bob Gysin und Partner BGP Architekten “Erweiterung Schulanlage Kappeli, Buchs”.