Fachschule Neudorf

The Neudorf Vocational School requires additional classrooms for both practical and theoretical instruction due to a sharp increase in student numbers. The planned extension complements the listed historic castle in a harmonious way without imitating it. The new building on the eastern side of the castle creates an architectural counterbalance to the existing sports hall and integrates sensitively into the surrounding park landscape. By setting the new structure slightly apart from the castle, a courtyard is created that serves as a loading and service area, as well as a small forecourt clearly defining the new part of the building. The extension is two stories high and is connected to the castle by a two-story bridge. This connection allows for a smooth transition between the theoretical and practical classrooms on both levels. At the heart of the design lies the central atrium — a bright, open space that faces the park and offers a variety of visual connections in and out. It functions as a circulation area, lounge, and break space, giving the new building a generous and communicative atmosphere — something the confined spaces of the castle previously lacked. The ground floor houses the practical teaching areas and the dining hall. A terrace facing the park extends the dining hall outdoors. Changing rooms, storage areas, staff facilities, and waste disposal zones are also functionally arranged on this level. On the upper floor, classrooms and group rooms are accessed via a gallery overlooking the atrium. A covered terrace serves as an outdoor classroom and can later be expanded as additional space. In this way, the design combines functionality, sustainability, and architectural clarity. The new structure presents itself as a contemporary addition to the historic castle, respecting its proportions and structure while creating bright, open learning environments that significantly enhance the school’s spatial and atmospheric quality.