Carlos Martinez Architekten

A school with a horizon – The small, pioneering educational institution in Buchs is situated on the outskirts of the town, with a view of the natural scenery and the mountains. The environment is also reflected inside the building, with interweaving learning landscapes.

The youngest learning group is taught at the bottom, while the higher floors are used by the upper school years. In this way, each pupil moves from the bottom to the top of the building during their school careers. All years are connected by spacious, central seating steps. Flanked by the school library, the children and adoescents can also expand their knowledge autonomously. The playful element of a small slide connects the upper floors. The staircase on the top floor also leads outside, thereby connecting the indoor space and the outdoor rooftop. The seating steps on the rooftop terrace serve as an open-air classroom and can be equipped with learning landscapes.
An assembly hall is situated on the ground floor. The directly adjoining school canteen sup­plements the spatial programme. Niche-retreats and learning areas are scattered throughout the building. The basement houses the so-called “breeding ground” (“Brütwerk”). This DIY workshop is used by pupils during practical lessons, but is also available to pupils during their free time for project work.

The materiality and architectural language correspond to the diverse educational range on offer. Differently sized wooden shingles on the façade and free window forms subtly symbolise the individuality of each child.