The Rudolf Steiner School in the Maurer Schlössl, founded in 1964, is Austria's oldest Waldorf school. While part of the old building no longer met the requirements for a modern school, the conversion and new build now provide an attractive and creative learning environment with spacious, flexible and future proof room configurations. Learning, play, social or workshop zones can be used flexibly and adapted to the respective needs. The central access and the clear separation of functions in the interior result in logical processes and facilitate orientation.
The high transparency of the new building incorporates the outdoor space into everyday school life and promotes communication within the building. The new building houses the classrooms with group and cloak rooms and a roof terrace for open-air lessons. These rooms are accessed via an external pergola with stairs leading to the garden. The pergola also serves as structural sun protection and as a lounge and communication area for the classrooms. Almost the entire basement and ground floor of the new building is taken up by the gymnasium, which is generously lit by natural light via ribbon windows and offers exciting views in and out. Thanks to its own access, the gymnasium can also be used outside of school.
Innovative timber/clay construction: The new building is constructed using a timber construction method consisting of ribbed and hollow box elements, with natural insulating materials such as straw, wood and hemp as thermal insulation. The construction elements can be easily dismantled and recycled. The interior is finished with clay building boards and plastered clay surfaces. These materials have low production energy and are locally available. Excavated material from the site was used for the clay surfaces. The aim was to create a largely chemical-free interior. The complex offers a creative learning environment with sufficient space and flexible design options.
Old and new, creative learning and the use of sustainable materials: This project is embracing old and new, fostering creative learning and proofing the sustainable use of materials with its innovative timber/clay construction.
The new building blends harmoniously with the existing historical listed building. Most of the extension was done on the southern side facing away from the street while the character of the existing building on the street side was retained and visually enhanced. The result is an ensemble with historic and modern identity, in which the school life of the Rudolf Steiner School can be experienced by all.
Creative learning environment: The flexible room concept creates a creative learning environment with a maximum of variable functions and applications. The main elements are the assembly hall, the dining hall with garden orientation, the sunlit, sunken gymnasium, the after-school care centre, the kindergarten and the roof terrace.
It was the great cooperation, joint effort and collaboration to make this special project possible. This project - embracing old and new, based on the sustainable use of materials with its innovative timber/clay construction - is an important milestone.
Dietrich Untertrifaller are an international architectural practice with roots in Vorarlberg, founded in 1994. They focus on the respectful use of resources, the development of socially balanced spaces and the appreciation of the cultural and architectural context. Since their founding, they have played a pioneering role in modern timber construction. The entire spectrum ranging from large-scale buildings, urban structures, alterations of existing buildings to single-family homes defies specialization and constantly challenges and inspires creativity and an inquiring mind. A decisive factor in all their work is the resource-saving and appropriate use of materials, with a particular commitment to contemporary timber construction. They are well known for their expertise in design and construction and maintain this knowhow through relationships of dialogue and trust with clients, craftsmen and engineers. In course of lectures and in teaching, they share their knowledge.