International School Augsburg

Instead of demolishing the existing structure, the project deliberately preserves the reinforced concrete skeleton, making the responsible use of grey energy a central design principle. By retaining the load bearing structure, around 1250 tonnes of CO2 remain sequestered within the existing building. Within this retained structure we create new, highly flexible learning environments. Traditional corridor spaces are dissolved and replaced with learning clusters featuring open pods, flexible classrooms, and versatile communal areas. This spatial openness enables contemporary pedagogical concepts such as co-teaching, collaborative learning, and large-scale examination settings. It also shapes the guiding vision of a school without corridors. The former assembly hall forms the heart of the campus—it has been transformed into a light filled atrium that serves as a central space for encounter and events connecting the school cafeteria and outdoor areas.

A new timber frame facade, together with targeted interventions in the existing building, improves energy performance while creating a warm, supportive learning atmosphere. The concrete structure is complemented by regenerative materials such as wood and clay, which enhance both indoor climate and spatial comfort. The new buildings, including the Early Learning Center and the double sports hall, integrate harmoniously into the ensemble and extend the resource-conscious approach—for example, through the reuse of existing steel beams.

The outdoor spaces also follow a sustainable principle. The campus is designed as a sponge city with retention areas, green roofs, and a wide range of spaces for movement, play, and retreat. A photovoltaic system, district heating, and a future oriented mobility infrastructure support energy efficient operation. The result is a DGNB Gold certified school campus that demonstrates, how architectural quality, pedagogical innovation, and climate responsibility can be developed from the strength of the existing building fabric.