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Project

Gellert School Complex

- Basel, Switzerland

The Gellert School Complex in Basel, designed by MET Architects, revitalizes a mid-20th-century educational facility with energy-efficient upgrades and spatial reorganization.

Exterior view of a school building with grid windows and brickwork, surrounded by trees.

An exterior view of a school building with a modernist design, featuring a grid of windows and brickwork. The building is surrounded by trees and has a pathway leading to an entrance.

Story

Gellert School Complex

A harmonious blend of history and modernity

The Gellert School Complex in Basel, originally constructed between 1953 and 1959 by Julius Maurizio, has undergone a meticulous renovation by MET Architects. This project combines the architectural heritage of the mid-20th century with contemporary standards of sustainability and functionality. The complex, with its pavilion-like structures and child-friendly scale, retains its sculptural façade design, offering enduring architectural qualities.

The renovation focused on enhancing energy efficiency and compliance with current regulations while ensuring the school remains functionally relevant for future generations. Key interventions included the addition of shed dormers to Gellert 2, converting the roof space into a supervised play area, and improving accessibility with a new lift. The sports hall was reconfigured to create a unified entrance and upgraded with acoustic improvements.

The integration of solar panels and connection to the district heating system underscores the project's commitment to sustainable architecture. The original interior materials were preserved and refreshed, complemented by new elements such as decorative acoustic ceilings and custom-designed 'Gellert' ceiling lamps. This careful material selection creates a cohesive and inviting atmosphere conducive to learning.

Design Highlights

  • Preservation of original materials like artificial stone and clinker floors.

  • Addition of solar panels for energy efficiency.

  • Manual and motorised window ventilation systems for optimal climate control.

  • Custom-designed lighting to enhance interior coherence.

Key Facts

Feature Detail
Location Basel, Switzerland
Architect MET Architects
Renovation Duration 2022-2024
Gross Floor Area 15,822 m²
Original Architect Julius Maurizio

The Gellert School Complex stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of modern architecture, seamlessly integrating historical elements with contemporary sustainable practices.

Technical summary

Updated 1/30/2026

Finishes

  • flooring: Linoleum flooring in classrooms, herringbone wooden floors in kitchen areas, and brick flooring in corridors.
  • wall: Wooden paneling, cellulose-based wallpaper with a textured surface, and plaster walls.

Materials

  • brick — Exterior facade and interior corridors.
  • wood — Doors, windows, and interior paneling.
  • glass — Windows throughout the complex.

Construction / Systems

  • facade system: The facade features brickwork and large windows, maintaining a modernist design.
  • structural system: The building structure is separate from technical installations to accommodate different lifespans.

Products

  • lighting — Gellert ceiling lamps — by Developed specifically for the project (Installed in classrooms and other interior spaces to enhance lighting.)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: light blue, white, pastel colors
  • Lighting: Bright and inviting with natural light and ceiling lights.

Images

Exterior view of a school building with grid windows and brickwork, surrounded by trees.
Exterior view of a school building with large windows and a light-colored facade, located along a tree-lined street.
Exterior view of the Gellert School Complex featuring two white buildings with large windows and surrounding greenery.
A two-story building with red-tiled roof and windows, partially obscured by a tree, with a climbing structure in front.
Interior hallway with tiled floor, decorative column, and abstract wall art.
Interior view of a corridor with brick flooring, wooden doors, and round ceiling lights.
Interior of a stairwell with a railing and a small door on the wall.
Interior staircase with stone steps, green railings, and large windows.
Interior view of a minimalist kitchen area with light blue walls, white cabinets, herringbone wooden floor, and round ceiling lights.
Interior of a classroom with wooden workbenches, stools, and bright ceiling lights.
Interior room with exposed wooden beams and large windows.
Interior hallway with blue floor, white walls, and ceiling, featuring a sink and restroom.
Classroom interior with a blackboard, sink, and door.
School hallway with a wooden bench, lockers, and doors leading to a gymnasium.
Interior view of a sports hall with red flooring, large windows, and a basketball hoop.
Interior of a gymnasium with red flooring and white walls featuring windows and a basketball hoop.
Interior of a gymnasium with red flooring, basketball hoops, and large windows.
Room with wooden paneling, rows of chairs, and ceiling lights.
School building with red-tiled roof and large windows surrounded by greenery and a tree.
Interior corridor with blue floor, white paneled ceiling, brick wall, and blue door.
Interior room with sloped ceiling, large windows, and colorful doors.
Interior room with slanted ceiling, white panels, pendant lights, green walls, large windows, and reddish-brown floor.
Interior room with red and blue doors, light blue walls, wooden shelving, and white ceiling with pendant lights.
Classroom interior with pastel walls, large windows, orange curtains, a chalkboard, and a sink.
Interior room with large windows, red curtain, and ceiling lights.
Interior of a room with large windows, patterned flooring, and a wall-mounted sink.
Interior room with countertop, cabinets, sink, small windows, red door, and light flooring.
Exterior view of a school building with brick walls and a covered entrance.
Interior view of a gymnasium featuring basketball hoops, wall bars, and gymnastic rings.
Attic space with wooden beams and stored furniture.
School hallway with colorful lockers and bulletin boards.
Classroom interior with colorful bunting, wooden furniture, and educational materials.
Interior of a classroom or workshop with wooden tables and metal vices, storage cabinets, and a sink area.
Elevation drawing of Gellert School Complex with buildings and trees.
Site plan of Gellert School Complex with building outlines, pathways, and trees.
Site plan showing a school complex with several buildings, pathways, and trees.
Section drawing of a school complex with two buildings and trees.
Technical drawing of a building section with two structures and trees.

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