A collaborative school in the village centre

The new Campus School Hittisau replaces a fragmented school complex with a unified yet village-appropriate ensemble. Designed for the three communities of Hittisau, Riefensberg, and Sibratsgfäll, the project combines primary, middle, and polytechnic education under one roof. Instead of the former U-shaped structure, two tailored timber buildings now define the site alongside the preserved 1991 Hartl building, creating a more coherent presence within the village core.

Spatial clarity through decentralised organisation

Each school type occupies a distinct area within the campus, fostering clarity and calm: the primary school sits in the quieter rear zone, while middle and polytechnic students share a new structure. Community spaces like the assembly hall and gym are housed in a separate volume, designed for flexible use beyond school hours. The layout encourages outdoor interaction while maintaining clear functional zones.

Sustainable construction with a regional identity

The timber buildings feature untreated facades and generous windows, while the refurbished existing building uses a minimal plaster finish and matching window openings. The interior continues the material honesty with visible wood structures and subtle colours, offering a calm and adaptable learning atmosphere. The hybrid construction includes wood-concrete composite ceilings and necessary concrete cores for stability.

Low-tech principles for long-term comfort

The technical approach favours simple, robust systems: hybrid and cascade ventilation reduce mechanical load, complemented by passive strategies like night cooling and external shading. Dynamic simulation helped optimise the building’s climate response, ensuring energy efficiency without overcomplication – an exemplary low-tech solution for a rural context.

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