A modern new gym hall was to be added to the existing Steinmaur primary school complex. Additional teaching spaces were also required. For the outdoor space of the complex a variety of meeting, activity and play areas were also to be planned. The competition entry, which was awarded second place, solves the task set without exaggerated gestures.

Schulanlage, Steinmaur, Fischer Architekten AG Zürich

In Steinmaur, a municipality in the Zurich Unterland, the primary school forms a focal point of the development. Alongside the old village core, it defines a second important centre. The proposal for the extension, adaptation and partial renovation of the complex dispenses with elaborate gestures and offers the kind of expression appropriate to the rural location and the task.

The new double gymnasium divides up the outdoor space intelligently so that it can be used in different ways, while at the same time strengthening the connection of the complex to the residential district in the north. In the generous “joint” between the gym hall and the existing school building a ramp is used to make the connection between the outdoor sports area, which is at a higher level, and the large forecourt to the gym.

The main entrance to the gym is a new place of arrival, on the same level as the existing school. A secondary exit at the higher level of the outdoor sports area provides more direct access to the new playground. From the two-storey entrance to the gym hall you can see into the different areas, including the spectator level.