Cantonal School Zimmerberg, Wädenswil, CH

2024 Open Competition



A Public House, a Public Park. With the placement of the Kantonsschule Zimmerberg, the urban ensemble “AuPark” receives its final building block. The school building closes off the site to the northwest. The permeable settlement structure is complemented by a sixth building volume, which consolidates the majority of classrooms into a compact form. Publicly accessible functions, such as sports halls and the auditorium, are integrated into the podium beneath the new Au Park, thereby maximizing outdoor space for the general public. The building is oriented with its narrow side toward Lake Zürich, extending north–south. This minimizes impacts on the sightlines and daylight of the residential buildings to the south while optimally aligning the school’s interior spaces to the east and west.

A Terrace by the Lake with a Public Character. The Au Park at the center of the site merges with the school’s outdoor facilities to form a new public open space—a green oasis for the surrounding residences and beyond. By expanding the spatial extent and variety of uses, the park becomes the central, identity-defining element of the site development. Elevated above the podium, the park takes the form of a terrace, offering views over the lake.

Arrival Place with a Central Function. The main access route to “AuPark” runs along the Seestrasse to the north. At the base of the site, visitors are welcomed by the landscaped Au Platz, lined with trees, which serves as both a circulation and gathering space. The podium activates the area with commercial and retail uses within the residential complex, while this public character continues in the school podium. Here, access is provided to the underground parking and the publicly accessible functions housed within the base of the building.

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