Since 2013, a former Baroque rectory has been home to a primary school and daycare centre. Public Atelier and FUUZE architects have most recently contributed to the project, adding several bright and bold classrooms in the summer of 2019. Adding much-needed space to meet growing school capacity demand while also preserving the decaying roof trusses of the Baroque complex, the project is an example of incremental development.
The project emphasizes the interconnection of individual parts so that their historical value is preserved and the users of the school and daycare feel comfortable and free to use all parts. Though intertwined, the newly implemented and original historical elements are clearly distinguishable from each other.
The historical parts are united by a classic plaster façade, a red roof of plain tiles, and copper plumbing elements. On the other hand, simple cubic shapes, smooth surfaces, and bold colours characterize the new parts. Passages and interconnections of the buildings which were once separated are now accentuated, brining a playfulness in space as well as colour. As a fun touch, children are free to choose which entry to school and which colour they will use.
A main portion of the new school area is located on the upper floor, which, among other things, brought an opportunity to save the valuable Baroque roof and to make use of the situating of the complex at the foot of the slope of the church hill. Thanks to that, the new classrooms have a spacious terrace with a grass area, from where it is possible to enjoy lessons with a view of the Church of St. Peter and Paul.
