University for Applied Design in Wiesbaden

The new college has been carefully set among other faculty buildings in an existing grove of oak trees. In their construction, the longer north and south facades are contrasted with the end faces. The former consist of 40-centimetre-deep posts and rails, with double glazing fixed on the outside. The system comprises a kind of structural “shelving” that, together with the trees, also provides shading to the south face. Room-height flaps ensure cross-ventilation. The distinctive feature of the end faces is the finely dimensioned grid in Malaysian meranti inserted in the cavity between the panes of double glazing. It serves to filter the ingress of daylight, while nevertheless allowing a view out to the oak trees.