The customer, the international Berlin Metropolitan School in the Berlin district of Mitte, no longer had enough space in a typical school building built in 1987 (Schulbaureihe 80 - SBR 80, type Erfurt): among other things, it was necessary to accommodate senior classes there, which were not previously available in the BMS.
The school square with a courtyard in the center is located in a densely built-up area, so the natural option for expansion was the "growth" of the building. The architects added on three of the four buildings, and also added a small new wing to the full height of the panel structure. The functional program includes classes, including for music lessons, a library, administration offices and an assembly hall.
The implementation of the project, which was conceived back in 2014, proceeded in stages so as not to interfere with the educational process - in accordance with the growing need for new space. To simplify the construction process, a prefabricated timber structure was chosen, which also made it possible - due to its low weight - not to reinforce the frame or foundation of the panel building.
Wood in the interior creates a visually and tactilely comfortable environment for students and teachers, while copper on the outside goes well with the ceramic coating of the facade panels.
