To accommodate growing enrollment and expanded programming, the comprehensive school in Neuss-Norf commissioned a compact extension building featuring a new dining facility. Quasten-Mundt Architekten from Grevenbroich designed and executed a three-story structure on Feuerbachweg that efficiently consolidates diverse functions while optimizing spatial requirements.

Connected to the existing school buildings via a covered passageway, the extension echoes the original clinker brick façade—a durable, identity-defining element. The façade employs a perforated pattern, with windows highlighted by color-accented frames. By contrast, the foyer and cafeteria feature fully glazed mullion-and-transom systems that flood these zones with natural light. The stairwells, too, are expressed through vertical window bands along the façade. The ground floor houses the cafeteria with kitchen, central foyer, sixth-form lounge, music and art studios, plus necessary sanitary and support spaces. The cafeteria connects directly to the main entrance hall—complete with restrooms and a kiosk bar—making the space ideal for evening club events. Mobile dividers allow portions of the cafeteria to serve as flexible learning zones. Each room opens to the outdoors. The fixed stage platform extends with a mobile element when needed. A separate classroom wing on the ground floor contains two art and two music studios with accompanying control rooms and stage access. The first and second floors provide ample area for twelve classrooms spanning two year groups, along with differentiation spaces, staff offices, and support areas. Corridors ring both floors, naturally lit by a two-storey atrium. The generously proportioned corridors in the classroom wing receive light through recessed ribbon windows, their rhythm punctuated by color-accented seating nooks and study alcoves—a signature spatial sequence.

www.quasten-mundt.de

Photography:

Matthias Michel
www.fotograf-matthias-michel.de

Thorsten Wankum

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 03|23)