School in Orsonnens
- Claudia Fuchs
Dark glazed wood shingles characterize the exterior impression of the new elementary school in Orsonnens in western Switzerland. The building volume measuring 25 by 25 metres stands on a prominent site bordering the town and faces the open landscape. With its cubage and height oriented on a neighbouring gymnasium, it also adopts the compact shapes of agricultural buildings typical for the region, yet reinterprets them. The spruce shingles refer to the typical gable ends of regional stables. Upon first glance, their exaggerated size and the differentiated facade design featuring horizontal and vertical wood slats as well as inlaid copper strips point out the importance of the public building and create a strong identity.
