Heinrich-Hoffmann-School Darmstadt
Sustainable Building Concept for a Pleasant Learning Environment
Location:
Darmstadt, Hessen (DE)
Client/Owner:
Wissenschaftsstadt Darmstadt (DE)
Architecture:
v-architekten, Köln (DE) – Progetto; Blumenstein + Architekten GmbH, Darmstadt (DE) – Gara d’appalto
Structural Engineering:
KREBS + KIEFER GmbH, Darmstadt (DE)
Executing Company:
Rubner Ingenieurholzbau
The Wissenschaftsstadt Darmstadt commissioned Rubner Ingenieurholzbau to carry out the timber construction works for a timber-hybrid building for the new Heinrich-Hoffmann-Schule in the city centre. The design by v-architekten from Cologne and the planning by Blumenstein + Architekten GmbH from Darmstadt envisioned three cubic volumes: a primary school, a daycare centre (KiTa), and a gymnasium. The structural engineering was provided by KREBS + KIEFER GmbH from Darmstadt.
In this project, the primary school and daycare centre buildings were realised using a reinforced concrete skeleton construction with timber panel exterior walls – both feature a generously sized internal atrium, with the daycare centre comprising three storeys and the primary school four storeys. In total, 2,070 m² of prefabricated timber panel wall and cladding elements, as well as 876 m² of timber-glass facades with 589 m² of timber-aluminium windows, were used across the two building structures, creating an energy-efficient and modern building envelope. The third structure, the large-scale sports hall, was constructed using solid timber construction with a load-bearing framework consisting of 80 m³ of glued laminated timber (glulam) and 1,087 m² of cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements for walls and ceilings. This project serves as an example of versatile workshop and assembly planning, optimally tailored to the individual architectural requirements of this ensemble.
The building ensemble in the centre of Darmstadt is surrounded by listed heritage structures, including the historic city wall. The three cubic volumes are in direct visual contact with one another and are connected by pathways to each other and to the surrounding buildings. The green schoolyard in the centre is designed for multiple uses – both as a school break area and as a public play space for local residents.
The energy concept of this educational infrastructure is furthermore designed for sustainable operation: the climate targets are achieved through the timber construction, green roofs with rainwater retention systems and photovoltaic installations, as well as the greening of the retaining walls surrounding the sunken schoolyard.
Based on thermal simulations, a cooling concept was developed that allows summer heat to escape overnight through the roof of the atrium, while cool outside air flows in at ground floor level.
