Hamburg's growing student population has spurred ambitious school expansion plans. Adopted in 2019, the city's school development plan calls for constructing 44 new schools and expanding 123 existing facilities. Developed by SBH | Schulbau Hamburg and GMH | Gebäudemanagement Hamburg, the Hamburg Class House accelerates the expansion of primary schools with both speed and sustainability. Far from a temporary fix, this modular, flexible concept adapts to each school's unique architectural and pedagogical needs. Designed to serve three generations of students, the prototype opened its doors at Eckerkoppel Primary School in Farmsen-Berne this January—planned and executed by DNA Architects. Built to replace a school destroyed by fire in 2018, the classroom building was completed in just nine months following a year of planning.

The Hamburg Class House provides a robust framework supporting individual floor plans with both enclosed and open teaching spaces, inviting differentiation areas, and modern facilities. Most of the floor area can be customized to meet each school's distinct needs. Circulation zones and building systems are integrated efficiently to maximize usable space. External emergency routes enable flexible usage even in front of the classrooms. Premium, long-lasting materials underpin the design's commitment to sustainability, while green roofs further support climate protection goals.

Developed by Winking Froh Architects and sensitively refined by DNA Architects to harmonize with the neighboring historic structures, the standard façade conceals a timber frame beneath its brick exterior. Extensive prefabrication and on-site assembly dramatically shorten construction timelines and minimize disruption to school operations. Floor plans adapt flexibly to suit each school's requirements—offering two to six learning environments (compartments) of approximately 400 m² each, with four classes per environment. Schools themselves determine their configuration through guided planning workshops.

Spanning 1,334 m², the fully accessible floor plan at Eckerkoppel Primary School features twelve naturally lit classrooms alongside flexible group spaces and multipurpose learning areas. Generous, bright corridors line the sides with built-in seating and practical storage. Soft pastel tones and warm wood finishes create an inviting, cohesive environment throughout.

www.dna-architekten.de
www.schulbau.hamburg

Photography Credits:

DNA Architects

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 03|20)