School on a slope, Frankfurt (Bergen-Enkheim)

1st place

The School am Hang is one of 160 schools in Frankfurt am Main. The primary school did not provide enough space for the approximately 400 children, and the situation was becoming critical.  The construction, with it’s the distinctive ridge structure, was to be renewed and expanded. The city conducted a competition and the winning concept by HK Architects builds on the existing spatial qualities and identity of the five classroom buildings. It preserves the comb-like structure with its two-sided exposure and the attractive view.

The extension of the school complex focuses on the areas that connect the five classroom buildings. A two-storey volume offers additional space and accessibility. Learning landscapes are created on the ground floors, and the specialist classes and the library in the socle, opening the classrooms to the two playgrounds. The outdoor facilities will be more closely integrated into the architectural concept, in the south of the complex a new cafeteria will be built and the existing sports complex will be expanded.

The neighbouring nursery can be used as temporary teaching spaces while the renewal works roll across the individual class rooms. As the classes can be still held on their own grounds, expensive rental containers are eliminated and the classes remain on site.