Innovative new building for more than 300 primary school pupils

The primary school in the Berkersheim district of Frankfurt was formerly known as the smallest school in the Main metropolis and reached its capacity limit with about 150 pupils. But thanks to an investment of around € 20 million by the city, more than 300 girls and boys are now enjoying their learning experience in a spacious, modern and innovative new school building, where the focus is on inclusion.

As a pilot project of the city of Frankfurt, the new school building was insulated according to the passive house standard. The project also focuses on two different ventilation systems. The south wing is mechanically ventilated and vented. The western section of the building, on the other hand, is ventilated completely naturally using a sophisticated system of side-hung ventilation windows and corresponding ventilation shafts on the corridor side. The knowledge gained on the use of the two ventilation systems, documented by monitoring, is to be applied on other school construction projects to enhance their sustainability and user-friendliness.

The two-storey building, which also houses a sports hall, consists of three wings with connected outdoor spaces, playgrounds and garden areas. The heart of the school is the central break hall with a broad staircase and a seating area that connects the floors. The staircase can serve as a seating space for spectators or even as a stage for events fir up to 200 people.

Class rooms, group and break-out rooms are located in the upper part of the bright and transparent school building with its predominant glass, concrete and wood elements. On the lower floor there are mainly faculty rooms and administrative offices. There is also a kitchen for the children, a canteen that can be converted into an event hall, a library, a therapy room and dedicated rooms for music and art.

The bright green floors in the daylight-flooded classrooms and in the wide corridors help to create a feel-good atmosphere in the new building. Just as the Troldtekt acoustic ceiling panels do. In addition to reducing reverberation times and meeting the most stringent fire protection requirements, they are also made of certified wood and cement from Danish sources and thus fit perfectly into the innovative, sustainable new school building.