Grüner Berg is designed as a vibrant, walkable centerpiece for the neighborhood. Its rooms, accessible independently from the outside, can be used by the community at any time, fostering a sense of openness and integration. Before construction begins, the flora currently present on-site will be documented, and seeds will be collected and replanted after completion. This effort ensures the preservation of local biodiversity while establishing a low-maintenance habitat. Soil layers of varying depths across the building support a range of vegetation, while the structure’s cascading levels function as retention fields during heavy rainfall, mimicking a sponge to manage water sustainably. The classrooms, arranged around a climatic intermediate zone, provide an adaptable learning environment surrounded by greenery.
The structure itself is crafted from wood and clay, with large laminated timber beams spanning the sports hall and resting on robust clay walls. Round wooden columns, spaced closely together, create a child-friendly scale while supporting the significant weight of the soil and clay layers. The roof’s variable overhangs adapt to the sun’s trajectory, offering shaded outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly into the overall design.
By reimagining a school as a living, breathing part of the ecosystem, Grüner Berg sets a benchmark for environmentally conscious architecture. It demonstrates how built environments can harmonize with natural systems while fostering a forward-thinking educational ethos for future generations.