The Erlenmatt school building in Basel opened in 2017. Its defining feature is the terraced outdoor spaces, which, together with the ground-level playground, are being adapted to future climate challenges. The original 2012 concept envisioned robust, partially sealed surfaces, which limited the number of trees that could be planted. Although a total of 40 trees were planned in 2014, these could not be realised. In light of climate change, this decision is now being revised: 35 new trees will be planted, and the amount of sealed surface area will be reduced. Existing paving will be partially removed to create tree pits, while the rest will be retained and selectively enhanced with colour.

This will create a shaded area that, through evaporative cooling and shading, will help reduce summer heat and continue to offer a variety of recreational activities. The terraces of the stepped building are designed as breakout and classroom spaces and are being used as such. To better utilise the terraces for teaching purposes, creating an open-air school environment, we have designed shade roofs. Detailed studies revealed the advantages of louvred, air-permeable, shade-providing elements, which the architects developed as a reuse project, making a clear statement. The result is a spatially precise placement of the shade roofs at different levels within the multi-award-winning project.