Primary school and Special Pedagogic Centre in Lauterach

Built in the 1960s in Vorarlberg, Austria, the school has been extended at a number of points. The solid tract that linked the two classroom blocks has been replaced by a transparent entrance hall. A third storey has been added to the classroom buildings, and these have been extended to interlock with the entrance tract. The perforated slabs in front of theglazed facade of this tract create a play of light and shadow internally, while at night, the facade issuffused with a bright glow. The classroom blocks, clad with anthracite-grey slabs, are contrasted with the lighter volume ofthe new gymnasium. The latter is sunk partly into the ground, so that all one sees of it is the attic level with its photovoltaic installation, which seems to float above the glazed facade.