Atelier Starzak Strebicki

Gymnasium Greven

The new gymnasium building in Greven is a key component of a modern educational campus that seamlessly combines high-quality architecture with sustainable solutions. The facility features a compact, straightforward volume and has been designed using a timber hybrid construction technology. This approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint and increases the share of renewable materials within the structure. A modular facade composed of prefabricated, highly insulated timber elements blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. The character of the building is enhanced by covered terraces and sunshades, which not only give the facade a distinct aesthetic appearance but also protect the interiors from overheating.

The interior layout was designed to be clear, flexible, and adaptable to contemporary teaching methods. The central point of the ground floor is a spacious Forum - an open common area that connects the administrative zone, IT rooms, main circulation pathways, and building entrances. The upper floors house educational clusters that foster collaboration and flexible lesson organization, alongside dedicated spaces for senior students.

The school's surroundings are designed as a green, multifunctional area supporting the daily life of the campus. The grounds are divided into two primary courtyards - Schulhof West and Schulhof Ost—which together create a cohesive and recognizable identity for the site. Students have access to activity zones, expansive green lawns, and shaded rest areas under the trees. The vegetation improves the microclimate through natural evapotranspiration, while a rainwater retention system and permeable surfaces minimize ground sealing and support stormwater management.

From its inception, the project was developed with a strong focus on high energy efficiency and user comfort. The building is equipped with a hybrid ventilation system that combines energy-efficient displacement ventilation with automatically controlled windows for natural night cooling. Heating and cooling are provided by a low-emission geothermal system based on a brine-water heat pump integrated with underfloor heating. This is complemented by a photovoltaic installation covering approximately 1,000 m² located on the green roof, allowing the building to generate a significant portion of its energy from renewable sources.

A major advantage of the project is its construction flexibility. The structure, based on prefabricated timber elements, allows the investment to be executed either in a single stage or split into two phases without disrupting the school's operations. This solution ensures the continuity of the facility's functions and minimizes construction-related disturbances.
Concurrently, the materials used can be dismantled and reused in the future, fully aligning with the principles of a circular economy.