Schulanlage Leimbach Leimbach, Switzerland 2021–2022

This new primary school is located in the suburbs above the shores of Lake Zürich. Part new build, part adaptive reuse, the scheme, an ensemble of three timber pavilions, works hard to minimise its environmental impact. Carbon neutral timber superstructures create flexible learning environments. Simple and efficient forms minimise heat loss and facades are clad in timber, shading classrooms whilst orientating children to the natural world outside.

Image 1

  • 5_0305-Leimbach_pic1
    The urban design of Leimbach school responds to the picturesque character of the suburban landscape and forms an ensemble of three buildings – primary school, library and nursery
  • 5_0305-Leimbach_pic2
    The body of the school building is formed by a light wood-concrete material hybrid with 5 floors above ground and 3 below ground
  • 5_0305-Leimbach_Site_plan
    Site plan
  • 5_0305_plans-00-01
    Ground and first floor plan
  • 5_0305_plans-04-05
    Second to fourth and fifth floor plan
  • 5_0305-Leimbach_pic3
    This space, with its circular opening and curved staircase, connects all publicly accessible spaces and allows for detached functionality independent of the school
  • 5_0305-Leimbach_pic4
    The arrangement of the clusters expresses itself as an enfilade of spaces: a highly efficient spatial concept with optimised and useful circulation areas reminiscent of a domestic character
  • 5_0305-Leimbach_section
    Section
  • 5_0305-Leimbach_pic5
    The superstructure comprises a hybrid strategy that combines timber frame with minimal amounts of reinforced concrete to achieve a net zero carbon solution
  • 3000_5_0305_4796
    1:500 model

Technical

  • Area: 12,700m2
  • Form of contract: Competition
  • Client: Stadt Zürich
  • Architect: WV Architecten
  • Engineer: Schnetzer Puskas Ingenieure
  • Landscape Architect: Ghiggi Paesaggi
Top ↑