School pavilion in Ottenbach

Project information

Client: Ottenbach Municipality

Industry: Education

Type of construction: Wooden modular construction

Implementation period: 3 months

Year of construction: 2025

Architect: Bauart Architekten und Planer AG

Area (m²): 363

Location: Ottenbach ZH

Features: General contracting

For its new school building, the community of Ottenbach opted for sustainable timber modular construction technology. The project, designed by Bauart Architekten und Planer AG, proves that systematically planned and prefabricated structures can combine functionality, flexibility, architectural expressiveness, and environmental friendliness. DM Bau AG acted as the general contractor and manufacturer of high-quality wooden modules.

The pavilion was designed as an extension to the existing school complex. Its clear modular structure blends harmoniously with the use of natural materials. The modules were manufactured with high precision at the company's factory and then assembled in Ottenbach within a few days. This approach significantly reduced construction time, noise levels, and environmental impact on the site.

The building acts as a link between the historic and new parts of the school and, thanks to its restrained single-story form, integrates delicately into the existing environment. Unlike many typical modular school buildings, the pavilion has a perimeter veranda with a wide canopy, which increases comfort and forms a distinctive façade of painted three-layer panels and lowered window sills. Vertical climate convectors break up the usual grid of modular architecture and add personality to the interior.

Consistency as the basis of the project

The customer paid special attention to the environmental friendliness of the facility. The cold roof of the modular structure provides effective thermal insulation, resistance to weather conditions, and a modern look. A large-scale solar power plant is installed on the roof, which generates more electricity than the building itself consumes, partially supplying other school buildings. In addition, an energy-efficient engineering system with a heat pump and a geothermal probe has been implemented, allowing for both heating and cooling.

Comfortable learning environment

The forced ventilation system ensures constant air exchange and maintains a healthy microclimate in the rooms. The wooden structure creates a warm and natural atmosphere inside. The spacious psychomotor room offers ample opportunities for physical activity, games, and child development. The modular system allows for easy future expansion of the building in line with the community's needs.

Modular construction as an example to follow

Stefan Fuchs from Bauart Architekten und Planer AG emphasizes the significance of this project:
"The Ottenbach Pavilion demonstrates that modular school buildings can be more than just functional temporary solutions. With its clear structure, high architectural quality, and progressive energy concept, it is an example of the harmonious combination of economic, ecological, and pedagogical aspects and a convincing argument for the potential of modular timber construction."