Klaus Secondary School and Multi-purpose Hall

The new Klaus secondary school was built to replace the existing school in two phases ten years apart. It is part of a sparsely developed urban network with a mix of commercial and single-family residential buildings. The school consists of three volumes with an interlocking linear, elevated section. The angle formed by the two main volumes built in phase one, allow a protected open-air recreation area, blending seemlessly into the greenscape beyond.

The main building accommodates the classrooms and the administrative offices, separated by a three-story, skylit, atrium space, which spans the length of the building. The central atrium provides circulation and brings light down to the ground floor, thus enhancing one’s orientation. Individual foot bridges cross the atrium and access each classroom.

The second building, constructed ten years later, includes a two-story sports/recreation hall, a three-story multi-purpose area, as well as a reception area and study rooms. The library is located in the elevated section and is oriented to both the public street and the inner court with access to both buildings. The elevated section also frames the view of the recreation area from the street, and provides protection from the elements.

Advanced planning strategies, such as compact organization of the program and prefabrication allowed for an accelerated schedule and optimized cost, while adhering to the high quality design and standards. The building has achieved total energy consumption of less than 15 kWh/m² per year, fulfilling Vorarlberg passive-house standards.