henry dunant elementary school

key design aspects
the existing elementary school with twelve classrooms is being expanded by twenty-one additional learning spaces. a campus of this scale requires a clear internal organization, a generous arrival sequence at the main forecourt, and an equally well-structured interior. one of the school’s defining features is the beautiful park to the southeast, with mature trees and natural play areas. the central challenge of the extension lies in integrating this park into the overall campus while preserving its character and accessibility. the design enables the construction process to proceed without temporary container classrooms.

urban design concept
the proximity to the grete and otto ascher park offers the opportunity to create a generous, identity-forming school forecourt extending towards the existing building. the two new wings frame this semi-public plaza, providing high spatial quality and shade through newly planted trees. the main entrance is reached via a gently inclined ramp, ensuring barrier-free access to all levels, staircases, and lifts.
existing and new structures interlock functionally, yet remain clearly legible as independent volumes. a continuous “green frame” of local climbing plants visually unites the ensemble, offering natural shading and cooling. the ventilated façades are clad in timber, while the windows are designed as wood-aluminium constructions.

architectural concept
arrival and orientation are essential for a sense of identity and belonging. a light-filled atrium forms the spatial and social heart of the campus, acting as a clear circulation hub. the ground floor of the existing building is transformed into an open spatial continuum that unfolds toward the park, connected through a broad, shaded terrace beneath the green frame.
the seamless transition between inside and outside, combined with warm wooden surfaces and carefully guided daylight, creates a bright, friendly learning atmosphere. zenithal skylights bring daylight deep into the building, including the basement level, reinforcing the idea of a transparent and open school.

educational and spatial concept
the outdoor spaces form an integral part of the pedagogical vision. each cluster of classrooms is directly linked to adjoining outdoor learning areas, encouraging flexible movement between interior and exterior. sequences of public, semi-public, and more private zones, as well as clear visual connections between clusters and special learning spaces, support orientation and foster a sense of community.
the versatile layout allows different group sizes and teaching formats. movable partitions enable quick reconfiguration of rooms, ensuring long-term adaptability. generous sports areas and the park-like landscape offer an ideal foundation for full-day school use and outdoor learning.

internal circulation
two new stair cores adjacent to the atrium connect all levels barrier-free. learning happens everywhere — corridors become active zones for communication and informal study. small niches and open learning areas flank the paths to classrooms, offering diverse possibilities for group or individual work.
by carefully integrating the new extensions, the entire campus becomes a spatial continuum, while maintaining the defined identity of each cluster. the twelve elementary classrooms and associated team and social spaces are grouped together on the first floor, fostering collaboration and easy orientation.

landscape concept
preserving and integrating the existing park and mature trees is central to the overall design. the placement of the new wings allows the park to retain its full extent. existing trees around the extensions are protected, and new shading trees are added to the forecourt.
the green frame is planted with local climbing vegetation that provides additional shading for outdoor areas. gentle terrain modeling ensures a barrier-free transition between building and landscape. excavated soil is reused on-site to minimize environmental impact. the adjacent public playground remains directly accessible and continues to serve as an extended play and learning area.

mobility concept
the project follows the city of vienna’s mobility strategy, avoiding on-site car parking. delivery and service access are separated from student circulation routes to ensure safety. two accessible parking spaces are provided near the entrance, with additional drop-off zones for transport services along the forecourt. maintenance access for municipal services is organized discreetly along the southern edge.

structural concept
the new buildings are designed as efficient reinforced concrete structures with flat slabs supported by columns, using recycled concrete and void formers to reduce co₂ and material consumption. terraces are constructed from cross-laminated timber panels supported by low-carbon steel beams. existing structural elements are selectively removed or reinforced with steel beams where necessary.
the new extensions also assume horizontal bracing functions, stabilizing the existing building and integrating it structurally into the expanded campus.

fire safety and evacuation concept
the fire safety strategy is tailored to the requirements of an inclusive educational environment. clear compartmentation on each floor ensures safe evacuation, while terraces and balconies provide additional rescue areas. two protected stair cores with lifts remain operational for vertical evacuation in case of emergency, controlled via an automatic fire detection system. a dynamic guidance lighting system supports mobility-impaired users by indicating the optimal escape route depending on the fire scenario.
the combination of spatial clarity, technical redundancy, and adaptive safety technology ensures a high level of user protection and operational robustness.

energy concept
the energy concept is based on passive optimization of the building envelope and thermal mass activation. automated night ventilation cools the structure using outside air, while a highly insulated envelope (average u-value ≤ 0.20 w/m²k) minimizes heat loss.
energy demand is covered largely by on-site renewable systems — a ground-source heat pump for heating and cooling, combined with extensive photovoltaic panels on the roofs, achieving up to 88% self-sufficiency. green roofs with humus layers add thermal stability and contribute to biodiversity.
the green frame provides effective shading and supports natural ventilation. high daylight penetration ensures visual comfort, reduces fatigue, and minimizes artificial lighting demand. low-g glazing and generous roof overhangs prevent overheating while maintaining transparency. together, these measures create a sustainable, low-energy, and comfortable learning environment.