Rudolf Steiner School Winterthur

Winterthur, Switzerland

Photo © Zeljko Gataric

Architects: Wagner Vanzella Architects

Location: Winterthur, Switzerland
Year: 2020
Client: Immobilienstiftung Immo RSS Zürich
Team: Raphael Vanzella, Michael Wagner, Milo Strub, Serena Keller, Laura Hänni, Meret Studer

Overall concept, extension, facade renovation, earthquake strengthening and interior finishing 2017 - 2020

Since its foundation, the Rudolf Steiner School Winterthur has been accommodated in former residential buildings from the 19th century. These are partially in need of renovation and are therefore being renewed from the outside and in. Due to growing spacial demands, a new classroom is also being added to one of the existing buildings.

The project comprises the two existing buildings and the single-storey extension. The exterior design of the entire campus will be further developed in a next phase in order to unite the various buildings, which have been constructed in different periods, into a coherent whole.

The chosen materials are derived from the existing building both inside and out, while at the same time setting new, fresh accents. For example, the existing building's natural stone cornice is continued in the single-storey extension as a roof finish. The new roof terrace will be fitted with a metal railing, which corresponds in colour to the decorative bricks of the existing building and at the same time through its lightness identifies as a new element. The interior spaces are dominated by warm and materially authentic surfaces.