BLACKPRINT: So you only set up the office after winning the competition?

Marc Ritz: Yes, exactly. We had been thinking about self-employment for quite some time, but wanted to gain some experience first. Then came the competition for the Davos school centre. The starting point for our design was an existing school campus, which the municipality wanted to complement with an innovative, sustainable building. The existing buildings on the site in question were considered ‘unfit for demolition’. We took a clear stance against this and submitted a design that values and further develops the existing buildings in order to utilise the existing grey energy.

BLACKPRINT: In terms of urban planning and functionality, the building is logically positioned between two existing school buildings...

Marc Ritz: It was a connecting structure from the 1960s, consisting of two adjacent buildings with separate stairwells. In order to transform this structure into a unified whole, we explored various approaches, always aiming to minimise the impact on the existing schoolyard. We did not view the existing structure as an obstacle, but rather as an opportunity and a starting point for something new.

BLACKPRINT: And that is precisely how you actually defied the demands of competition...

Marc Ritz: Yes, we extended the existing intermediate structure along its long sides and added an additional storey to meet the increased requirements of the space allocation plan. The new building ‘covers’ the entire existing structure and is enclosed by a new façade cladding that was designed to be both thermally and aesthetically appealing. We placed an atrium between the formerly separate stairwells, around which the upper floors are arranged. Another important feature is that the extension to the stairwell has created a split-level structure. The floors are therefore offset by half a storey, which allows for short distances and exciting spatial relationships. The ground floor also forms a flowing connection between Schulstraße and the school playground.

Rear view of the new building. The roof garden integrated into the upper floor enriches the spatial structure of the school centre.

BLACKPRINT: An unusual solution! However, the design is not a classic example of ‘building within existing structures’, as from the outside the building looks more like a new construction.

Marc Ritz: We wanted to show that a building does not have to be listed to be worth preserving. In Germany, there is often only black or white: worthy of preservation or demolition. We believe there needs to be more shades of grey. A building from the 1960s may seem aesthetically outdated, but here in Davos, the fabric was still completely intact. That's why we partially gutted it, but completely preserved the load-bearing structure. Because that's where the main energy load lies. Some elements, such as reinforced concrete ceilings, had to be clad for fire safety reasons; others, such as railings, could be preserved and reinstalled. The result is a hybrid of old and new construction that brings the history of the building to life – also as a model for the next generation. Around 40% of the building material comes from the old building.

BLACKPRINT: A solution that also redefines your role as an architect...

Marc Ritz: Yes, indeed. We are less concerned with solitary structures on greenfield sites and more with the sensible continuation of existing structures. Interestingly, Otto Closs and I both wanted to become archaeologists when we were younger. This shows that we have always been interested in how human activity shapes the environment over generations. Architecture allows us to take responsibility in this area: to plan things that will last for decades. It's less about self-fulfilment and more about responsibility and storytelling.

BLACKPRINT: And how are users responding to the concept?

Marc Ritz: In a questionnaire, they stated that they really enjoy spending time in the building. Our aim was to create a school building that is as diverse as its users. That is why there are quiet corners, open areas, window seats and flexible group areas. The newly created atrium with its open galleries also plays a central role. Not only does it bring plenty of daylight deep into the building, it is also a real place for learning and spending time. People meet across several levels, and spontaneous exchanges take place. It is no longer just a corridor, but the heart of the building that brings everything together.

BLACKPRINT: What other design elements characterise the interior?

Marc Ritz: So-called ‘enfilades’ – classrooms that can be connected in series – create additional educational opportunities: rooms can be opened up and connected, but also closed when quiet is needed. In addition, we have integrated flexible curtains, particularly in the auditorium and dining area. The reason for this was the switch to all-day schooling. The curtains allow for open or closed use as required and improve the acoustics. The interior design concept is rounded off by the roof terrace at the rear. The idea for this arose because the courtyard was heavily sealed and we wanted to create a green retreat. During the planning process, the concept was reduced as a reserve for expansion for structural reasons, and we have now created a roof garden that was planted at the end of the summer. Its full potential will therefore only be realised next year.

Acoustically effective curtains were integrated into the auditorium and dining area to enable rooms to be flexibly separated or joined together.

BLACKPRINT: What role does the design of the façades play in your concept?

Marc Ritz: Inside, we deliberately wanted to show off the wooden structure, while outside, the green colour scheme means that from a distance, it is not immediately apparent that the façade is made of wood. Instead, we incorporated the façade bands of the neighbouring buildings and chose exposed concrete for the base in order to communicate with the sports hall. The green colour scheme corresponds with the surrounding landscape and the pine-covered slopes around Davos and reappears in the interior – for example, in radiators, railings and individual accents – but never dominates. The aim was to create a holistic but not monotonous building.

BLACKPRINT: What about heating, ventilation, choice of materials and energy efficiency?

Marc Ritz: The new building envelope enabled us to meet new construction standards. The timber frame allows for flexible room layouts, thus creating the basis for sustainable use. In addition, we used timber interior walls, lime plaster and cork flooring to maintain a good indoor climate. It was very important to us that the heavily frequented areas in particular had to be very robust. Initially, the client had concerns that children would draw on the wooden surfaces, but the building is treated with great respect. Our concept is rounded off by low-tech ventilation solutions: the windows can be actively used and the atrium acts as a natural chimney for night-time cooling. And thanks to a geothermal network, classic radiators could be used. This meant that the original concept remained unchanged from the competition to completion. Together with the client, we did not slavishly implement regulations, but pragmatically found the best solution in each case.

BLACKPRINT: That also affects the costs, doesn't it?

Marc Ritz: Yes, we even came in slightly under budget. Of course, there were compromises, but we were able to implement our ideas in key areas. We were particularly pleased with the great trust placed in us by the client from the outset. In Germany, there are often reservations about young firms, especially when it comes to costs. In our case, everything remained within budget. With the support of a local firm for on-site construction management, we were able to closely coordinate the services so that costs and quality remained under control at all times.

BLACKPRINT: In parallel with the competition for the new building in Davos, you have also participated in numerous other competitions for school buildings and residential projects in Switzerland. What would you describe as your firm's typical approach?

Marc Ritz: For us, the focus is always on what already exists. In Davos, for example, 30 of the 32 competition entries proposed demolition. Only we and one other team wanted to preserve the existing structure. And that is precisely what ultimately tipped the scales and reinforced our stance of not automatically demolishing something just because it would be easier. However, we do not want to preserve everything dogmatically. Instead, we examine what is valuable in terms of structure, space or design, reuse parts and reinstall components. It is about saving CO₂, conserving resources and appreciating what already exists. And it is about proactively offering alternatives instead of just meeting expectations.

BLACKPRINT: Was that also a reason for becoming self-employed – a more consistent approach to sustainability?

Marc Ritz: Absolutely. We both come from good offices, but they don't explicitly stand for sustainability. Instead, we wanted to set up an office that doesn't compromise its principles for the sake of project success. It's more important to us to do things right than to build as much as possible. We turn down projects that don't fit, which is one advantage of being a small office. The project in Davos was a big motivational boost in this regard.

BLACKPRINT: Your website lists other school buildings, such as the Hofmatt school building, where you also want to add another storey and preserve the existing structure. Or the recyclable Aussenwachten school building, where you want to integrate an existing barn and create a new town centre. The ground floor and upper floors are made of wood, straw and clay, and recycled concrete is to be used for the emergency staircase. ..

The stairwell forms the vertical centrepiece of the Aussenwachten school building and creates maximum connectivity between the floors as a communication hub.

Marc Ritz: Yes, both projects are competition entries. Some decisions are still pending. In addition, we are currently carrying out renovations, studies and feasibility studies, including for the city of Munich. During the construction phase in Davos, our focus was entirely there, which was very intense. Now we are working more intensively on competitions in Switzerland again and are also trying to get involved in projects in Germany, which is still very difficult due to the cumbersome German procurement system.

BLACKPRINT: Alongside your work as architects, you are also visiting professors at Otto Closs in Karlsruhe...

Marc Ritz: Yes, we both enjoy it very much. We can pass on our attitudes and experiences and inspire students. We have noticed that students are now actively demanding sustainability and specifically asking how existing buildings can be respectfully developed further. This is motivating and shows that our attitude is spreading. In the past, we often stood alone when we wanted to preserve existing buildings.

BLACKPRINT: How will sustainable construction develop over the next ten years?

Marc Ritz: I am very hopeful. Switzerland is already much further ahead in this regard, with competitions increasingly taking into account criteria that we consider crucial, such as the appreciation of existing buildings or the reduction of CO₂ emissions. We would like to see this approach become more established in Germany as well. Existing buildings are often poorly rated in cost calculations, even though they offer enormous potential. The key is to find smart solutions, set priorities, use resources wisely and consciously preserve visible elements. Communication, persuasiveness and perseverance are just as important as positive role models: a project like the school centre in Davos shows that a creative approach to existing buildings works!

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