campus rotkreuz lustenau

analysis of the existing building
the existing building by the architectural group c4 represents one of the innovative examples of school architecture in vorarlberg from the 1960s. the most striking features are undoubtedly the two parallel east-west-oriented classroom wings, whose layout allows natural light to enter from two sides, even for the ground-floor classrooms. the arrangement of four classrooms per floor with vertical connections suggests a cluster-based concept; however, access through the two consecutive units creates a through-traffic situation. independent, self-contained cluster units cannot be formed within the existing organization. access from the classrooms to the outdoor areas is possible on the ground floor, but not on the upper floor. the organization of the existing administrative area does not support the high quality of the classroom wings.

clarification and development of the existing building
the classroom wings are freed from various later additions. the roof and façades are restored to their original architectural expression. the characteristic dual-sided lighting of the educational spaces is maintained. four classrooms per floor are organized as a cluster. a transparent extension to the west creates a “marketplace,” while the necessary staff workspaces, as well as changing rooms and toilets, are positioned nearby. the reorganization of access via the new two-story entrance building enables all clusters to function independently and quietly, without “through traffic.” the vertical connections, a distinctive feature of the existing building, are preserved and can encourage interaction between two clusters. ground-floor outdoor areas directly adjacent to the clusters are maintained, with new outdoor areas added on the upper floor.

urban planning concept
the entrance to the new rotkreuz campus is located on schulstraße. access to all educational facilities, external uses, and the kitchen is guided through an at least temporarily traffic-free zone. a partly two-story entrance hall serves as the new face of the campus. this light-filled building connects all areas. existing educational spaces, now organized into clusters, the dining hall, gymnasiums, and kindergarten are linked in a comb-like arrangement along this connecting spine. a shared school arena is located at the center of the new educational landscape, at the intersection of all facilities, and directly adjacent to the dining and event hall. the location of the kindergarten on the upper floor allows for clear autonomy, while its seamless connection integrates it into the overall system. the compact building layout creates a generous intergenerational park between the educational landscape to the east and the future facility for the youngest and oldest users to the west.

educational landscape
the elementary school and the special education center are organizationally integrated, with the kindergarten spatially connected. the existing configuration of the schools and kindergarten reflects a geographic adjacency, whereas the future educational landscape emphasizes spatial interconnectedness. to achieve this, the entrance for all units is relocated to schulstraße and linked by an elongated, two-story building. this east-west spine functionally connects the elementary/special education school, event hall, gymnasium, dining hall, after-school care, and kindergarten. the new location of the kindergarten allows continuation of the existing system, with an l-shaped building enclosing the outdoor area. situated above the gymnasium, the kindergarten functions both as an autonomous unit and as part of the spatially connected educational landscape. the entire kindergarten area can be organized on a single floor around a shared outdoor space. large windows and shed roofs above the group rooms enhance spatial volume and provide additional natural daylight.

material concept
the selection of building materials places great emphasis on ecological impact, co₂ emissions from production, transport, and deconstruction. all classrooms are equipped with wooden floors, enhancing the floor as a sitting or play surface. other rooms receive finishes according to functional requirements. ventilated façades are executed with wooden cladding, and windows are wood-aluminum constructions. transparent areas are equipped with effective external sun shading. overhanging roofs or balconies provide shading from high-angle sunlight, protect façades from weathering and dirt, and facilitate cleaning and maintenance. trees in front of the façades contribute additional shading.

energy concept
the energy strategy is based on passive optimization, including the omission of suspended ceilings to utilize the thermal mass of reinforced concrete slabs and walls. acoustic elements are designed to allow activation of these storage masses. at night, when outdoor temperatures permit, skylights can automatically open to enable cross-ventilation. this measure expels warm indoor air and brings in cooler outside air. overnight ventilation cools the thermal mass, preconditioning the rooms for the next day. balconies, roof overhangs, and projecting building parts provide glare-free daylighting, prevent summer overheating, and allow sheltered ventilation. continuous external sun-shading devices help regulate temperature. green roofs with a thick humus layer absorb and delay energy input, contributing to additional thermal stabilization. evaporation of soil moisture produces a cooling effect through the release of latent heat.