BIENVENUE
The Weinfelden Vocational Training Centre is set to undergo a comprehensive transformation, with the aim of developing it as a campus for the three institutions: GBW, BZWW and BfGS. The campus concept will be promoted through a shared, multifunctional forum.
The design for an inviting learning centre, developed by the team at Baumgartner Loewe Architects and named BIENVENUE, was awarded first place in the competition. The jury summarised, “The project proposal solves the difficulties posed by the local building situation, the continued use of existing buildings, and the diverse programme in an astonishingly natural and confident manner. It is a project with hardly any weaknesses, convincing in both its basic approach and concrete formulation despite its restraint”.
The project includes plans for extensions to wings A and E, as well as a new wing F. Wing C, which was previously used as a workshop, will be reinterpreted as a public building. All structural development measures are accompanied by a ‘sensitive approach to the existing building’.
The high sustainability requirements also influence the structural design by LÜCHINGER MEYER PARTNER. The jury recognises the chosen construction method as a significant factor in the realisation of an ecological building. The new buildings’ stringent and continuous load-bearing axes enable an efficient load-bearing system for each specific use. Depending on the requirements, either wood or concrete is used. In the extension of wing E, the existing concrete basement components are integrated wherever possible. As in the extension of wing A, ceiling and column structures made of wood are planned here. Beams will span the rooms in an axis grid and CLT solid wood panels will be inserted between them. Wing C will be upgraded with additional stairwells and steel column reinforcement. Apart from this, the existing structure will remain intact. It was decided not to add storeys to the existing buildings, thereby avoiding the need for extensive reinforcement measures.
Visualisations: indievisual
