Robert-Koch-High-School Berlin

  • Prize
    Jury's Favorite in Architectural Design - Heritage
  • Design Company
    SSP Rüthnick Architekten
  • Lead Designer
    Elisabeth Rüthnick, Alin Nieswand
  • Design Team
    Nora Kuippers
  • Architecture Firm
    SSP Rüthnick Architekten
  • Photo Credit
    Klemens Renner
  • Project Location
    Dieffenbachstraße 60/61, 10967 Berlin, Germany
  • Client
    District Office Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg Berlin
  • Project Date
    2022

With a modern architectural language, SSP Rüthnick Architekten extended the school, which is under ensemble protection. The main building for 580 pupils was modernized and rehabilitated. The new building in the schoolyard complements the existing school building. The three-story extension respectful distances itself from the solid masonry building with red clinker bricks. A modern-looking façade made of vertical larch wood slats was deliberately chosen to contrast with the historic brick building. In addition to the expressive cubature, the joints between the floors and the movable sliding elements gives the building plasticity. The wooden elements, which can be moved manually, serve as sun protection. The structure of the extension, which is elevated up to the first floor, is given a floating effect by the slender, conical columns. In this way, access to the old building was preserved and the existing schoolyard was affected as little as possible. With a bright yellow color and artfully twisted balusters, the existing building is connected to the extension by four modern bridges. Special rooms of the school, e.g. a library, are housed here.