Josef Schwarz School Heilbronn
Space-defining interior fit-out for forward-looking learning
In the Neckarbogen model district in Heilbronn, our WESTERMANN team delivered the interior fit-out of one of the largest school construction projects in Germany: the bilingual Josef-Schwarz-Schule, designed by Behnisch Architekten of Stuttgart.
Built using timber-hybrid construction, the building conveys a warm, tactile atmosphere, increases user comfort and contributes actively to energy efficiency thanks to the natural insulating properties of the wood and its ability to store CO₂. Each of the three school buildings has its own character: the primary school works with year-group-specific learning houses, the secondary level uses open learning studios for cooperative and individual work, and the upper level is structured into specialised clusters that match the curricular requirements.
Our team took on the comprehensive interior fit-out and supplied around 700 wooden door elements, configured as fire and acoustic doors with up to 50 dB rating. A special feature is the transom lights above the classroom doors: equipped with electrically controlled chain drives, they allow natural air circulation. The frames were realised both in wood and steel, while the door leaves were finished with larch veneer in a solid-wood look, matching the massive wall panels. In some places fall-arrest glazing complemented the door elements, so that function, safety and design merge perfectly.
In addition, we delivered acoustically effective wall claddings made from custom-manufactured cement-bonded wood-wool panels in combination with solid larch lamellae. The joint pattern – both horizontal and vertical – was consistently carried over from the outer to the inner façade, creating a continuous architectural line.
Another major component of the project was the fully accessible inner façades made from larch three-layer panels in lintel and parapet areas, into which we repeatedly integrated bespoke furniture as well as individually designed seating niches in each of the buildings.
In total, around 13,000 m² of larch three-layer panels, 43 km of solid-wood lamellae in widely varying dimensions and 2,000 m² of cement-bonded wood-wool panels were used.
On the wall cladding in the entrance area, an individual sublimation print on the lamellae produced a precise and lasting portrait of Lidl founder Josef Schwarz.
The Josef-Schwarz-Schule strikes a balanced relationship between retreat spaces for focus and areas for exchange, movement and communal learning. It functions like a campus that resembles a small town within a town – bringing together learning, community and sustainability in clear architectural form. The space-defining interior fit-out unites functionality, design and pedagogy into a holistic concept that sets new standards.
