A School for Three Communities

The School in Klaus serves as a shared secondary school for the municipalities of Klaus, Weiler, and Fraxern. The project forms the beginning of a sequence of public buildings that follow the gentle curve of the street. Strict economic and energy targets were already defined during the competition phase, responding to the high operating costs of the previous school. Completed in 2003, the new building meets Vorarlberg’s Passive House standards with an annual energy demand below 15 kWh/m². Ten years later, the campus expanded with a new sports hall and multipurpose facility replacing the outdated gymnasium.

A Bright and Clear Learning Environment

The main school building organizes classrooms and administration around a central, full-height atrium. This open vertical space brings daylight down to the ground floor and helps students navigate the building easily. Classrooms receive additional light through skylights in the central zone. Recessed glazing bands provide outward views while ensuring effective shading. External sun protection reduces glare and prevents overheating, creating comfortable learning spaces throughout the day.

A Campus That Extends Beyond School Hours

The later addition of the sports hall strengthens the campus as a shared civic place. Positioned slightly forward along the street, the hall connects to the school through a low, open structure that houses the shared library of the three municipalities above. The building includes a two-storey sports hall and a three-storey multipurpose zone with spaces for day care, clubs, and local events. Protected walkways allow easy movement between the buildings in all weather conditions.

Timber Architecture and Soft Daylight

The sports hall continues the ecological approach of the school with a primarily timber construction. Its interior is defined by a striking ceiling made of 56 light funnels that distribute soft, glare-free daylight across the sports floor. The exterior is clad in white fir, with vertical slats and aluminum elements shaping the facade. Large glazed openings reveal activity inside, reinforcing the building’s role as a lively place for both students and the wider community.

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