A modern and sustainable school full of daylight

Lans Education Centre is a modern school facility located at the foot of mountains in the Austrian town of Lans. The new-build school, designed by Schwärzler Architects, also acts as a community hub for school and public events.

School design receives Europe wide recognition

Schwärzler Architects won a school competition that secured the project and gained Europe wide recognition for design. The modern school includes two and threestorey building structures with an outdoor yard situated between both buildings.

Lans Educational Center is home to a crèche, kindergarten, primary school, music academy, library and event spaces. Hybrid concrete and wooden constructions have been built on sloping land. Each construction was sized so that the school doesn’t dominate the surrounding landscape, and mirrored the cube shape of neighbouring buildings in relation to height and shape.

The VELUX Daylight Visualizer was utilized at the design concept stage.

This digital tool provided 3D simulations to accurately predicate and calculate daylight levels in advance of construction. Digital images enabled architects and building owners make the best daylighting decisions for school operations.

Modular skylights provide daylight in active spaces

On entering the school, large structural openings keep students and staff connected to surrounding nature via window facades and glass entries. In total, 75 skylight modules have been added to two distinct shed roofs, allowing daylight to enter the interior of the school.

Central spaces such as a large reception area also function as meeting places for local events. A fluid design means movement throughout the school is accompanied by daylight and comfort ventilation. Natural light and fresh air improves the well-being, focus and productivity of young learners and teachers.

Skylights and photovoltaic panels support sustainability https://commercial.velux.co.uk/

Central to design goals was an ambitious energy concept that included a dual pitched roof that provided ventilation, daylight and solar energy. Each shed roof has three rows of modular skylights that include individual venting modules. Cross-ventilation works to reduce energy consumption within the school with less reliance on air conditioning. North facing skylights allow glare free and soft daylight to enter busy learning environments. Photovoltaic panels absorb sunlight year-round.