Waldorf School Mauer

In Vienna-Mauer, known for its rich historic architecture, the listed manor house was extended with an L-shaped timber structure toward the rear. We created a clear spatial structure for a new gym, four main classrooms, aftercare, multi-purpose room, music room, eurythmy room, workrooms, kindergarten and a school restaurant. In the upper floors, shady pergolas, generous windows and a community terasse link education with nature. We designed multifunctional spaces that flexibly accommodate diverse learning scenarios, all while opening toward the park-like garden with mature trees.

The project confronted a space-deficient manor house with poor building fabric and no gymnasium. The challenge was to design an extension that harmonizes with a listed historic building, preserving its identity while introducing new spatial qualities, programmatic flexibility and highest sustainability standards. We removed the roof of the existing building and merged it with the new section through a unified roof volume. This approach allows the building’s enlargement to remain discreet, while maximizing the site’s spatial potential. A flexible room concept provides a creative learning environment with a maximum of variable functions and applications such as learning, play, social or workshop zones. The transitions between old and new, garden and classroom are fluid and barely perceptible. Yet orientation remains simple and intuitive. Furthermore a consistent use of sustainable materials such as wood and clay has created an almost entirely chemical-free environment for learning.

Structurally, the project is notable for its innovative combination of load-bearing systems, with the gym below and classrooms above connected by hybrid timber elements. We used ribbed and hollow box elements, with natural insulation materials as thermal protection. Timber components are fully demountable and recyclable. All materials were chosen for their durability, robustness, and low maintenance. Inside, clay boards and plastered clay surfaces connect the buildings. Excavated soil from the site was reused for about 2,500 m² of wall surfaces, eliminating transport. The compact clay structure is highly resistant to wear, easy to clean, and contributes to a healthy indoor climate. In addition the semi-underground gym and the pergolas, which provide shade for the classrooms in summer, reduce the need for cooling.