Hohenbrunn's 1970s secondary school had outgrown its purpose. When experts determined that renovation and expansion would cost more than demolition and rebuilding, the decision was clear. A feasibility study confirmed it: a new, expanded secondary school would be built on the existing football pitch—completed between 2016 and 2019. The architectural firm Baurconsult orchestrated the entire vision, bringing together architects, engineers, and landscape architects to ensure seamless coordination across design and outdoor spaces.
The building comprises two offset rectangular structures, each spanning two storeys with internal courtyards. Spanning over 4,000 m² of usable space, the school accommodates 22 classrooms for 420 students, all built to current technical standards. As a full-day school, it includes dedicated common areas and a canteen alongside specialized facilities for science, home economics, art, and crafts. The basement houses storage and technical systems alongside specialist classrooms. The ground floor welcomes visitors through a generous entrance that opens into an auditorium, music room, and flexible multi-purpose space—the auditorium and music room can be merged for larger events. This level also contains the canteen, all-day care areas, administration, and staff facilities. Classrooms occupy the upper floor, each paired with small group rooms for focused learning.

Guided by the school's philosophy—"Quality teaching in a welcoming, trusting environment creates the foundation for joyful learning"—the interior strikes a balance between luminosity and purposeful design. Sustainability and energy efficiency were paramount: a photovoltaic system powers part of the facility. Vertically arranged wooden cladding punctuated by horizontal metal accents unifies the design while echoing the adjacent primary school, transforming the grounds into a cohesive campus. The inner courtyards—furnished with seating, gravel, and planted islands of native grasses and bamboo—offer serene spaces for outdoor engagement.

www.baurconsult.com

Photography Credits:

Peter Wankerl
www.wankerl.com

(Published in CUBE Munich, Issue 01|22)