The Haan Municipal Gymnasium's existing complex—opened in the late 1960s and expanded over subsequent decades—had become outdated and required comprehensive renovation. A Europe-wide tender for a turnkey facility was won by general contractor MBN, partnering with Cologne-based architects Kottmair, who guided the project from conception through delivery. The new building needed to consolidate all functions for approximately 850 students at the existing site while maintaining normal school operations throughout construction.

The vision: a gymnasium that balances robust design with visual appeal, exceptional functionality, sustainable practices, economic efficiency, and harmonious urban integration. The notably compact structure descends into the valley, elegantly spanning a 15-metre elevation change. When North Rhine-Westphalia shifted from the G8 to G9 curriculum system mid-construction, the team responded by adding an extra floor to one section—resulting in a six-storey building with a gross floor area of 17,400 m².The design draws from diamond-shaped structural ribs with rounded corners. A central crossbar creates two patios, flooding interior spaces and circulation routes with natural light while offering direct outdoor access from the ground-floor canteen and library, as well as the lower-level auditorium and gardens. A generous foyer—doubling as a weather-proof break hall—seamlessly links the canteen, library, and administration. Humanities and sciences occupy their own dedicated floors. The 450-seat auditorium serves the town for cultural events while maintaining excellent technical standards.The stepped window bands articulate the aluminium façade horizontally, creating rhythm through alternating open glass and closed panels with carefully placed colour accents that extend throughout the interior as wayfinding elements. Despite stringent fire safety codes, the design achieves expansive, flowing circulation zones. Sustainable materials and renewable energy systems for power, heating, and cooling give the building an impressive ecological footprint. Reclaimed grounds have been reimagined as schoolyards and outdoor spaces, seamlessly incorporating the existing sports hall.

www.kottmair-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Axel Hartmann
www.ah-fotografie.de

(Featured in CUBE Düsseldorf 02|23)