New School Building and Sports Hall by Rykart Architekten AG

A Contemporary Educational Campus in Münchenbuchsee, Switzerland

Completed in 2019, the New School Building and Sports Hall designed by Rykart Architekten AG expands the existing Pedagogical Center for Hearing and Speech (PZHS) campus in Münchenbuchsee, Switzerland. The project introduces a multifunctional sports hall and four new classrooms, blending modern design with the historic character of the site.

The campus is located within a unique ensemble of a castle and church district, perched on the edge of a green valley. Respecting this historic landscape, the new architecture carefully integrates into the natural topography without obstructing the views of the surrounding heritage structures.

Site Integration and Urban Context

Positioned along the edge of the valley, the new building emerges seamlessly from the terrain. Its strategic placement preserves the open landscape while maintaining the visual prominence of the nearby castle and church silhouette.

The building adapts to the sloping site:

• One floor on the slope side allows direct ground-level access.
• Two levels on the valley side maximize usable space without altering the natural topography.

At its heart, a central square and esplanade functions as a schoolyard and primary access point, providing both everyday circulation and a welcoming space for larger community gatherings.

Spatial Organization and Learning Environments

The light-filled foyer acts as the social hub of the building, offering direct views into the sports hall below. A spacious staircase connects the two levels, ensuring accessibility and flow between academic and athletic activities.

• Sports Hall: Designed for flexibility, it can be divided into two sections with independent access. Changing rooms and storage facilities are conveniently placed at ground level.
• Classrooms: Two rooms on the upper floor open towards the green valley, while those on the ground floor overlook the orchard. Each classroom connects to a group room, creating spaces for play, therapy, and collaborative learning.

This thoughtful design ensures that educational, recreational, and therapeutic functions operate harmoniously within one cohesive environment.

Materiality and Atmosphere

The project adopts a minimal palette of concrete, glass, and wood. This restrained material selection emphasizes the building’s geometric clarity while harmonizing with its natural surroundings.

• Concrete: Forms the structural base, anchoring the building into the terrain.
• Wood Interiors: Create warm, child-friendly classrooms with excellent acoustic performance.
• Glass Facades: Frame views of the valley and orchard while flooding the interiors with daylight.

Generous windows also showcase the structural rhythm of the sports hall, reinforcing the transparency and openness of the architecture.

Digital Innovation and Future Development

The New School Building and Sports Hall was realized as a pilot project for BIM (Building Information Modeling), using a digital model for planning and construction. This innovative approach not only enhanced coordination but also sets a foundation for the next phase of campus development, which will focus on the renovation of the historic school buildings.

The New School Building and Sports Hall by Rykart Architekten AG demonstrates how contemporary educational architecture can integrate into a historic and natural setting while providing flexible, sustainable, and child-centered learning environments. Its balance of functionality, material honesty, and contextual sensitivity makes it a model project for future school architecture in Switzerland.

All Photographs are works of Mario Rüegger