Werner Heisenberg Secondary School

Three square structures are placed in a relatively natural context. This creates an interesting dialogue between nature and the pavillon-shaped, precise buildings. In the entrance area, the pre-existing round building is put to a new use and will therefore gain a symbolic significance. The ensemble constitutes a filter between the built-up area and the natural landscape. The four-storey middle building accommodates the classrooms and forms the centre of the complex, while the gymnasium and the daycare building are two-storey “satellites” with a distinct character. A smaller gym is annexed to the daycare building, so that the afternoon programme can include various sports activities. The recreational area is divided into contemplative and active areas, while park-like walkways between the buildings and the outdoor sports areas make for a special outdoors experience. The assembly hall is directly linked to the recreational area. In conjunction with the music room, the resulting two-storey hall has a rising, truly multifunctional seating area. The ring-shaped gallery on the top floors facilitates orientation and creates short distances when the students need to rotate between rooms. The classrooms are located on the first and second floor, while the third floor is reserved for various “technical” sciences, promoting synergistic interdisciplinary teaching. The administrative and teachers’ facilities are centrally located on the first floor. The gym, which can be divided into three sections, also accommodates the caretaker’s apartment and a workout room. The daycare area is accessed via a bridge on the first floor. The intention is to separate it from the school building itself and to give it a residential quality, allowing students to learn, eat, contemplate, “chill out” and be active.

Large power-operated vertical slats formed by aluminium frames with an expanded metal filling are mounted to prefabricated concrete balconies. The slats are adjusted according to the sun’s position, resulting in a varied, interesting overall impression. The mesh size of the expanded metal has been optimised to reduce direct solar irradiation while not obstructing the view to the outside. The expanded metal also serves to reflect heat and efficiently transmit light to the inside. As all balconies are at parapet height, natural light is allowed to shine in at a high level. The natural lighting of each room can be controlled individually.

Services Wenzel + Wenzel: Tendering (partially), Award of contracts (partially), Site Supervision

Client: Zweckverband Staatliches Gymnasium Garching

Design: Schwinde Architekten Partnerschaftsgesellschaft, Munich

Project data:
period of performance: 2012 – 2013 (1, CP) 2013 – 2014 (2, CP)
gross room volume: ca. 82,000 m³
gross floor area: ca. 19,300 m²
costs: ca. €40m 

Copyright:
Text: © Allmann Sattler Wappner Architekten GmbH, Munich