By far the most prominent feature of the building, completed in 2018, is the solid larch wooden post cladding. The cladding conveys the concept of sustainability, thanks to a positive CO2 footprint, as well as the proximity to nature. It also ensures that the building integrates harmoniously into the environment. The three-dimensional, pale wooden posts have also been used inside the school’s central atrium, ensuring a smooth transition from the outside of the building to the inside.

Natural daylight without the glare
Warema’s external venetian blinds, which were chosen to provide shade, serve as a continuation of the lamellar wooden façade at the window, thereby reinforcing the harmonious appearance of the building. Apart from the elegant design, the decision to install this sun shading solution was primarily based on the effect of these external venetian blinds, which really come into their own in educational institutions. The products enable the flexible regulation of lighting, allowing as much sun inside the building as required and avoiding any glare. Daylight has a stimulating effect within the learning environment, having a positive influence on the biorhythm, concentration and all-round well-being of the pupils.

The sun shading system is controlled automatically using Warema's Wisotronic 3-channel unit. The tried-and-trusted central control system enables sun shading products to be driven up and down depending on environmental factors such as brightness, temperature and wind speed. The modern control element with its timeless design is integrated almost flush into the wall.

North, south, east and west
The school, which is attended by around 500 pupils from 27 different countries, has a particularly sophisticated design. The cross formed by the four building wings reaches north, south, east and west with a two-storey glass-roofed atrium at its centre. The atrium is not only used during playtime, but can also be used for events, due to the stepped seating areas around the outside. To prevent sunshine from making the atrium too hot, it has been equipped with Warema’s horizontal awnings, which reliably keep sun and heat at bay.

The design of the building allows pupils to find their way around easily – especially as each of the four wings is decorated in a different colour. Walls, floors and fitted furniture are all differentiated with matching shades so that pupils can easily recognise their classrooms and communal areas. The preschool, group and communal areas such as the cafeteria are located on the ground floor, while the classrooms for years one to four are all found upstairs, together with a library and a games room. Classrooms for pupils of different ability, arranged facing the inner courtyard, as well as break-out rooms that can be seen from the respective classroom, ensure that the communal areas cater for all needs. The spacious hallways contain alcoves with seating, allowing children to get together and creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Safety first
The escape routes were an important consideration when the school was being designed. For reasons of fire protection, the architects replaced the larch wood facade with ceramic tiles in these areas. Should there ever be a fire, designers did not want the sun shading system to create a barrier for pupils and school staff, which is why the horizontal awnings on the smoke and heat venting outlets, as well as the external venetian blinds in the canteen, have all been equipped with Warema’s emergency power system. This user-friendly control system ensures that sun shading systems are automatically driven up to enable a clear escape route, even if the regular power supply has been interrupted. This solution demonstrates how comfort, performance and safety can be integrated with sun protection.

Further information about safety, as well as guidance for planning sun shading solutions for escape routes, can be found online at https://www.warema.com/en/solutions/safety.

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