Maickler Primary School
URBAN DESIGN
The new Maickler Primary School is oriented towards the urban and listed context of its surroundings and integrates into the orthogonal structure of the neighborhood.
In combination with the listed "Maria Regina" church, the new school becomes an identity-defining feature of the school center. Its clear form brings order and calms the environment of the "open" building typologies of the adjacent schools. The distinct building volume maintains an appropriate distance from the church and, through the placement of the new school, reinforces the church’s presence. The compact, three-story structure ensures optimal use of open spaces on the site and in relation to other schoolyards.
BUILDING DESIGN
Students and visitors reach the new Maickler School via a generously sized forecourt. An inviting covered entrance area leads directly into the foyer, which offers views of the cafeteria and the schoolyard. The cafeteria and foyer can be combined into one large space, accommodating up to 200 people. The pleasant, bright, and friendly atmosphere of this multifunctional area is enhanced by a green atrium courtyard. To the west, a transition to the versatile schoolyard features spacious covered areas and provides an additional entrance.
The administrative area is located as a self-contained unit with a connection to the inner courtyard in the southern part of the building. Infrastructure such as elevators, restrooms, chair storage, and teaching materials is centrally and easily accessible. An inviting single-flight staircase in the foyer provides access to the clusters on the two upper floors. Two differently landscaped, alternating inner courtyards along the main circulation route ensure natural lighting, good orientation, and a pleasant atmosphere. Each cluster is accessed via the green inner courtyard; storage and cloakrooms are located near the entrance. Beyond these are the open, naturally lit learning areas with views of the atrium and outdoor spaces. Learning areas, group rooms, retreat spaces, and team offices are arranged around the green center. The edges of the clusters feature versatile reading and play nooks as retreat areas. Special-use rooms such as the music room, support classes, and after-school care are located as buffer spaces between the clusters.
Overall, the three-and-a-half-form-entry cluster school with after-school care provides learning, play, and work spaces for 350 students and 35 teachers.
MATERIAL
The two upper floors are unified by a suspended façade made of glass mosaic tiles.
The tile façade uses a 2.5x2.5 cm format. A mix of brown and black tiles was used, with 93% matte and 7% glossy surfaces. A total of 1,950,000 tiles were installed.
On the ground floor, closed aluminum panels and floor-to-ceiling post-and-beam façades are used, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Generously recessed window elements—with light grilles as fall protection in the ventilation wing areas—ensure natural lighting of the clusters with ample connection to the outdoors. Low parapets allow the window sills to be used as seating, providing additional storage and stools, thus becoming an integral part of the learning landscape.
Inside, the use of wood (floors, doors, built-in furniture), wood wool (ceilings), and exposed concrete (wall surfaces) creates a calm and homely atmosphere.
To promote transparency and communication within the building, cluster partitions, fall protection, and door side elements are made of glass. Together with the generous glazing towards the inner courtyards and the exterior, they contribute to the bright and friendly appearance.
