We are pleased to announce a first place in a design competition for an expansion of the school in Dornach. Twenty-one project proposals were submitted for the expansion of the primary school including a kindergarten, an exercise room, a daycare facility and shelters. The jury awarded first place to the design titled «Panama», which is delighted news not only for Mentha Walther architects and Beer landscape architecture, but also for the structural and façade engineers from LÜCHINGER MEYER PARTNER who were involved in the project.
The design proposes a compact three-storey replacement building as well as an extension of the current buildings. The extension adds space on the existing structures while an additional new building houses the daycare centre and the two kindergarten classes. «The simple and robust spatial structure and the differentiated design of the school buildings and open spaces offer a high degree of flexibility and adaptability, as well as a high-quality and harmonious learning atmosphere. […] The choice of materials, including wood, rammed earth and reused elements, demonstrates exemplary building ecology and circular thinking.»