1999, Ahorn School, Zurich

1418 3Aerni v3
SHS Ahorn Ortho
1417 1Aerni v3
1309 1Aerni v2
1309 3Aerni v2
1415 1aerni v2
160903 Schulhaus Ahorn PGA aussen Holzfassadendetail Foto erp arch v2

Continuous construction – cost-efficient and fast, thanks to prefabricated timber elements.
The extension of the Ahorn School, Zurich, Switzerland, 1997–1999

Two annex buildings with four classrooms and a crafts room dock to the staircases of the school house built in 1953, and, together with the heritage-protected pavilion buildings, lead to a densification of the open space situation. The wooden formwork and the colouring borrowed from the old building create a direct link to the existing building fabric.

 

Like traditional school parlours, the classrooms are clad with elaborate carpentry.

By including the existing access system and the use of prefabricated timber frame elements, we reduced the costs significantly and shortened the construction time. The school continued to operate for the entire duration of the construction work.

EG v8
The extension of the Ahorn school house, Zurich 1997–1999. Ground floor plan.
OG v2
The extension of the Ahorn school house, Zurich 1997–1999. Upper floor plan.
Schnitt
The extension of the Ahorn school house, Zurich 1997–1999. Section.

Address
12/14 Luegislandstrasse, 8051 Zurich, Switzerland

Study commission by invitation 1996, realisation 1997–1999

Client/builder
City of Zurich, Department for Building Constructions

Spatial programme
Classrooms

Architecture and project team
Michael Geschwentner, Patrick Gmür, Mila Milosavljevic, Peter Roesch

Award for Good Buildings in the Canton of Zurich 2001
Award for Good Buildings in the City of Zurich 1995–2001