federal school cluster liezen

urban design concept
fundamental urban design considerations regarding the building massing and site placement are strongly influenced by the requirement to maintain operation of the existing school during the construction of the new federal school cluster. the footprint of the existing structure will, after demolition, create a large contiguous open space to the west, which becomes a key reference point for the organization of the new building. to avoid temporary container classrooms during the construction phase, the interim use of vacant facilities in liezen could be considered.
the new school cluster respects the existing height relationship between the surrounding residential buildings and the school, ensuring a balanced integration within the urban context. as before, the north-facing dr.-karl-renner-ring will accommodate both the main entrance level and the department level above. due to the natural topography, this northern area remains ideal for a generous entrance zone with high-quality outdoor space and covered bicycle parking.
the north–south orientation of the sloping site allows a compact three-story structure, all levels naturally daylit. the internal organization is subtly rotated east–west to minimize exposure to the busy salzburgerstraße to the south, while establishing a direct dialogue with the school’s own park landscape. parking spaces are positioned near the southern boundary to reduce noise and dust within the residential area and to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle access.
integration of pedestrian routes into the existing path network enhances accessibility and connectivity. an expanded bicycle network along dr.-karl-renner-ring is encouraged to further reduce car traffic. through these measures, the open space potential of the site becomes an integral part of the architecture.
the entrance hall on the ground floor opens towards terraces and the adjacent park with its reorganized sports facilities. orienting the main hall, departments, and workshops toward the outdoor areas creates direct, multi-functional access between indoor and outdoor learning environments.

architectural concept
in line with the mission statement of the educational directorate of styria, the federal school building for bhak/bhas liezen and bafep liezen is conceived as a forward-looking learning environment. following the principles of the charter for designing educational institutions of the 21st century, the project aims to create spaces that foster both community and individuality, openness and permeability, while maintaining a sense of comfort and belonging.
the spatial program, based on the departmental system, is designed for maximum flexibility. the structural concept allows future spatial adaptations and the reconfiguration of room boundaries to promote long-term neutrality and adaptability. the connection of all levels to the exterior is achieved through terraces and direct access to the school’s park, creating continuous relationships between learning spaces and the landscape.
the generous entrance canopy invites interaction and exchange even before entering the building. upon arrival, users pass through the cloakroom area and are greeted by the open, light-filled atrium that serves as the organizational heart of the school. this spatial continuum visually and physically connects the park with the upper and lower levels.

a variety of spaces support social and cultural activities: a broad event stair, an easily accessible sports hall, the library, and the main hall all open directly to the park. despite the open and fluid layout, distinct zones are defined — such as the centrally located teachers’ area, accessible without through traffic and complemented by a discreetly positioned staff café that remains connected both to the interior and to the outdoor space. this principle of identity without physical separation is consistently applied throughout the building.

material concept
to ensure high spatial flexibility, load-bearing walls are minimized to those necessary for structural bracing. material selection prioritizes ecological criteria, co₂ footprint, and life-cycle impact, including emissions from production, transport, and dismantling.
all classrooms, learning landscapes, and open zones feature wooden floors, enhancing comfort and usability. the first floor above the entrance level is constructed in lightweight timber. ventilated façades are clad in timber boarding, while windows are designed as wood–aluminium hybrid systems. transparent surfaces are equipped with effective external shading devices, and additional natural shading is provided by strategically planted trees.

fire safety and evacuation concept
the design ensures that maximum escape path lengths of 40 meters from any point to an exit or stairwell are maintained. external staircases, designed as fire-protected structures, provide secure escape routes from all above-ground levels. at least two independent escape routes are available from every area, ensuring optimal evacuation conditions.
appropriate construction elements and the formation of fire compartments limit both vertical and horizontal fire spread. the school is largely subdivided by floor into fire sections, with open-plan areas such as the gym, atrium, and galleries handled through compensatory safety measures, including a full-coverage fire detection and alarm system.
cluster fire compartments are limited to approximately 430 m², maintaining clear organization and safety. special rooms with higher fire load, such as cloakrooms, are equipped with ei₂ 30-c fire-rated doors. the open stair hall of the atrium is separated from the clusters by fire-resistant portals and protected by a roof-level smoke extraction system. sufficient fire-fighting equipment is provided on all levels.

energy concept
the energy strategy focuses on passive optimization of the building, maximizing thermal mass activation through the omission of suspended ceilings. acoustic elements are designed to preserve heat storage capacity. green roofs with substantial humus layers absorb and delay solar gains, contributing to thermal stabilization. evaporative cooling from the soil moisture further enhances comfort during summer months.
heating is provided by the existing district heating network, with the option of geothermal wells or groundwater systems for natural cooling and air preconditioning. selected areas can include activated structural slabs for additional thermal performance. photovoltaic panels on the south-facing shed roofs supply renewable electricity, further reducing the building’s ecological footprint.