Zugang oberes Erdgeschoss
Photo © Andrei Margulescu
Foyer Obergeschoss
Photo © Andrei Margulescu
Klassenzimmer
Photo © Andrei Margulescu
Treppenhaus Untergeschoss
Photo © Andrei Margulescu
Fassadenausschnitt
Photo © Andrei Margulescu

Collège de la Romanellaz

 Back to Projects list
Location
Chemin de la Romanellaz, 1023 Crissier
Year
2016

The new school building with 6 primary classes, 2 kindergarten, a gym and school hall is situated in the middle of the village, right next to the historic village centre. The school children come from all directions and the view on all sides is exciting. Consequently, the building does not have a specific orientation and can be entered from two sides on two different levels. The large construction volume is integrated into the small-scale setting by two recesses and several bends in the roof, forcing itself into the tight building perimeter.

The school is organised around a double central staircase which is the unifying element that links all four floors to each other and at the same time allows for escape over two separate fire compartments in the event of a fire. Thanks to the central layout of the two staircases, corridors are avoided and the circulation area is minimal yet can be used on all floors as a spacious foyer. Although large parts of the building are sunken, all the classrooms are lit from two sides, the gym even from three.

The seemingly randomly arranged façade openings do not follow an externally imposed design principle but are a direct reproduction of the organisation inside.

Other Projects by ahaa

Under the attic
Bukarest, Romania
House with three courtyards
Galati, Romania
32 Housing units for borders guards
Vernier
Grentschel school extension
Lyss