Faust-Gymnasium, Staufen

Clear views: interior fit-out of the Faust-Gymnasium Staufen

For the extension of the Faust-Gymnasium in Staufen, Westermann was responsible for the interior fit-out. The clear and minimalist character of the architectural concept by Dasch Zürn + Partner in particular demanded the highest level of precision in planning and execution. On top of that, the work took place during ongoing school operations – partly during the period of the Abitur examinations and under pandemic conditions – so coordinating all trades on site, accompanied by staff shortages and material scarcity, posed an additional challenge.

The room-high glazing of up to 3.50 metres and the integrated glass sliding and pivot doors at heights of 2.80 metres – for example in the canteen – placed particularly high demands on construction, statics, transport, installation and fitters. The panes set in delicate wooden frames, the doors in slim aluminium profiles, observing or compensating DIN tolerances in combination with minimal joints against the concrete walls – all this calls for experience and precision in planning and execution.

The wall covering, the cladding of the glazed learning niches, the cabinet elements housing washbasins and electrical installations, the doors to the classrooms as well as the tables and benches were all crafted from silver fir. Native to the Black Forest, silver fir is a natural choice not only for its colour and material qualities but, above all, in terms of sustainability – not least for the short transport distances. The learning niches are lined with linoleum. All modules were prefabricated at Westermann and then assembled on site. The result is bright, airy spaces that offer communication areas just as much as places to retreat to in the learning corners.