Bank Extension in Schönaich

With its rough, bush-hammered stone façade and narrow vertical window openings, the extension is clearly contrasted with the original 1970s’ building to the rear. Internally, however, a sense of continuity is achieved through the use of the same materials in both parts and the creation of spatial links in the form of bridges. Maple was used for the partitions, doors and louvre cladding; and green stone pavings extend throughout the ground floor. The solid stone walls in local travertine, which continue internally, form a thermal storage mass that supports the climate-control system. This consists of openable windows, night-time cooling, and ventilation via thermal currents in the hall. The fresh-air intake is prewarmed over floor collectors.