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Krampnitz Primary School

· Potsdam, Germany

A transformative educational environment in Potsdam, blending historic and contemporary elements.

Exterior view of a brick building with three doors and decorative facade.
The exterior of a brick building with three large doors and multiple windows. The facade includes decorative elements above the central door and orange planters leading up to the entrance.
exterior
Exterior view of a brick building with three doors and decorative facade.Brick building complex with gabled roofs and a courtyard, featuring steps leading to the entrance.Modern school building with brick facade and glass windows around an open courtyard with trees.Modern building with brick facade and large windows, courtyard with paving and a small tree.Interior of a school hallway with concrete walls, wooden ceiling beams, and circular windows.Interior of a school with wooden beams, large windows, and a circular interior window.Interior with circular windows, concrete walls, and wooden beams.Interior of a school building with concrete walls, wooden beams, and a circular window.Interior of a modern building with exposed concrete walls, wooden beams, light wooden doors, and a circular window.Interior with circular window, wooden beams, and concrete walls.Interior of a school hallway with circular openings in concrete walls, wooden door, and light fixtures.Interior of a school with a circular window in a concrete wall, showing a hallway with light wood doors and beams.Interior of a modern building with exposed wooden beams, concrete walls, and light-colored flooring.Interior of a room with wooden beams, glass windows, and brick walls.Interior of a building with large windows facing a courtyard with trees and a brick façade.Interior of a staircase with concrete walls and steps, orange handrail, and a round window with a net design.Circular window with netting, showing a staircase inside a building.Modern gymnasium interior with basketball hoop, sports markings, and goal net.Interior of a gymnasium with exposed concrete walls, wooden paneling, and metal gym equipment.Detail of a staircase corner with wooden handrail and concrete elements.Site plan of Krampnitz Primary School in Potsdam, depicting building layouts and surrounding areas.Site plan of Krampnitz Primary School with surrounding buildings and green areas.Floor plan of Krampnitz Primary School with detailed layout of rooms and outdoor spaces.Floor plan of a building with various rooms and hallways, labeled 'AFF'.Elevation drawing of Krampnitz Primary School with gabled roofs and multiple sections.Elevation drawing of Krampnitz Primary School with two symmetrical buildings and a central connecting structure.Elevation drawing of Krampnitz Primary School with trees on the sides.Section drawing of Krampnitz Primary School showing interior layout and structure.Section drawing of Krampnitz Primary School displaying building layout and structure.

Architects

Location

Krampnitz Primary School

A transformative educational environment in Potsdam, blending historic and contemporary elements.

On the historic grounds of the former Krampnitz barracks in Potsdam, a new chapter unfolds with the realization of the Krampnitz Primary School. This project, designed by AFF Architekten, is a pivotal component in the transformation of this large-scale military complex into a vibrant urban district. The school's architectural narrative is a dialogue between the past and the present, harmonizing with the site's historical barracks while embracing modern educational needs.

The school ensemble, which includes a primary school, daycare center, and sports hall, is an identity-defining urban element. It respects the site's heritage with its small-scale, gabled structures and traditional brickwork, yet reinterprets these elements to meet contemporary standards. The design's structural grid is both stringent and efficient, creating a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces. This integration extends into the surrounding park landscape, offering diverse areas for learning, play, and recreation.

Constructed with a reinforced concrete skeleton and prefabricated timber frame elements, the building's façade in brick ensures durability and continuity with its historic context. Exposed steel components, left untreated, provide a striking contrast to the masonry. The greened flat roofs not only integrate the building into its natural surroundings but also enhance its ecological performance.

The renovation of existing listed buildings was meticulous, preserving historical qualities while upgrading to contemporary standards. This careful approach has resulted in a coherent ensemble where new and old coexist harmoniously. Inside, the architecture is defined by material authenticity, with concrete, timber, and other natural materials creating a robust and calming environment. Large openings blur the lines between inside and out, with learning terraces extending the educational experience into the landscape.

Design Highlights

  • Harmonious blend of historical and contemporary architecture

  • Efficient structural grid integrating interior and exterior

  • Use of durable materials like brick and untreated steel

  • Green roofs enhancing ecological performance

  • Careful renovation of existing historic structures

Key Facts

Feature Detail
Location Potsdam, Germany
Architect AFF Architekten
Year Completed 2023
Building Type Educational
Materials Brick, concrete, timber
Sustainability Green roofs, ecological design

Programs

Daycare CenterPrimary SchoolSports Hall

Categories

EducationalRenovationSustainable Design

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