The first building of the Michael Grzimek School was built in 1953. In the following decades the school building was extended temporarily in several building phases. The new building was completed in 2009 and is based on the grid of one of these extension buildings – the so-called „Schusterbau“. The grid allows for a school facility that distinguishes itself for the high degree of communication areas as well as generous outdoor spaces.

Prefabricated and highly insulated façade elements were hung from the steel skeleton structure allowing for a very short construction period. The optimized insulation led to a significant reduction of the former heat requirement.

The facade is structured horizontally by means of 5 stripes of vertical larch wood elements. The height of the building diminishes towards the street and accommodates an ample roof terrace. Two large, green atria ensure optimal illumination from both sides. The elongated two-storey building is situated on the western boarder of the site and shields the school from the commuter railway system. The new core of the complex is the connecting wing, where the new main entrance can be found as well as the media library and the kiosk. Multi-coloured sitting boxes serve as a communal waiting area. Generous terraces and a bright spacious school yard as well as a green classroom complement the free spaces available to the children.