German School Geneva – Campus South

The idea was to create a building that would integrate harmoniously into the existing campus of the German School in Geneva. The client requested a combination of classrooms, a school canteen, and a sports hall, all within a height- and size-restricted rectangular footprint. This challenge could only be met by stacking the functions vertically, resulting in a structurally demanding solution.

A simple rectangular volume, supported by a truss structure with strong diagonal pillars, enables this stacked configuration. The design fits seamlessly into the available surroundings, with an underground gym, a canteen at ground level, and several classrooms above.

The metal and glass façade maximizes transparency, while its structural expression – echoing the character of the original main building – contributes to the school’s desired “cultural external presentation.” Sustainability is addressed through the use of an air-to-water heat pump in combination with a photovoltaic system, ensuring energy efficiency for the new facility.