abj Architekt:innen GmbH

The expansion of the Schmedenstedt Primary School will create a joint school location in the historic village center for the previously separate schools in Schmedenstedt and Woltorf. The extension of the »Schule unterm Regenbogen« as a two-stream inclusive all-day school will create a central place of learning, identification, and village community.

The design responds to the small-scale structure of the surroundings and the existing buildings from different construction periods. The historic school building from 1911, the multi-purpose hall from the 1970s, and adjacent areas are being merged into a single ensemble. A glass joint connects the existing and new buildings, marks the new main entrance, and serves as the central access point.

The foyer forms the spatial center of the school. It functions as a link between old and new, serves as a distribution point, and can be used for multiple purposes. The new building houses the open learning environments for grades 1 to 4. Organized as grade clusters with a central learning center, they enable flexible teaching methods, short distances, and clear orientation.

The outdoor space is being developed into a connected area for exercise and recreation. Different zones for breaks, play, and exercise, as well as green learning areas, complement the space available.

The design follows the principle of building on existing structures. These are preserved and supplemented in a targeted manner. The result is a contemporary school that blends into the village center and serves as a shared space for the school and the village community.