INTERPRETIVE ORIGINAL RENOVATION

The specification of the canton of Graubünden was a comprehensive thermal renovation, i.e. the transformation of the school building from the 60s to the present in order to comply with the Minergie standard in the future and in the course of this also to meet all today's regulations and standards. As a unique example, the former teachers' seminar presents itself as a built representative of a regional post-war modernism in Graubünden.

The path we have taken adheres to the architectural and spatial qualities of the existing school complex. In the sense of an interpretive original renovation, however, these are sharpened in a restrained way. The aim is to transport the powerful architectural expression of concrete construction into the present day while meeting the static, building physics and operational requirements. The most important starting point was to regain the material presence of the existing building. For this reason, the concrete elements originally cast on the inner shell were dismantled, which were replaced by new prefabricated elements of the same thickness after the necessary insulation layer had been applied. The new concrete cladding placed around the insulation layer retains the character of the old building, which is worth preserving.

In order not to place an undue burden on the building structure with the precast concrete elements protruding due to the insulation spacing, the façade in the classroom wing was self-supporting against the existing structure. This change was a consequence of the process of transformation, as the new wall structure with 20 em insulation between the wall and the concrete façade was completely new compared to the façade elements previously concreted directly on the outer walls. requirements for the statics. The protruding upper floor in the special wing could continue to be provided with attached prefabricated concrete elements, as it was one storey.

The original renovated façade consists of prefabricated but curtain concrete elements. The existing joint pattern of the façade panels and the formwork pattern were adopted. The new concrete façade adheres to the architectural expression of the varying façade depths of the old building. For example, the recessed base floor or the accentuation of the load-bearing columns, which protrude slightly from the wall surface, will continue to be retained by the original renovation. The formal interplay between joined and poured concrete elements gives the building a modelled tectonics, which gives the entire complex a graceful lightness and elegance despite its large volumetric dimensions.

The development of respectful interaction is based on knowledge of the building, the qualities of which must first be evaluated. This knowledge gives rise to a design attitude whose strength lies both in deliberate restraint, but also in the ability to introduce innovations. The interpretive original renovation thus makes it possible to bring together two contradictory requirements: to preserve the expression and character of the building and to reconcile it with the demands of the technical requirements.

Source: www.architekturpreis-beton.ch
Photos: Ralph Feiner

Pablo Horváth