A newly built facility that should teach by example.
The new Schmuttertal Gymnasium [high school] building in Diedorf is an impressive construction – both architecturally and energy-wise.
A secondary school (high school) with modern, open learning landscapes, timber construction, and plus-energy-standard – the specifications for the new building in Diedorf near Augsburg in Bavaria were very ambitious. In 2017, the architecture was awarded the German Architecture Prize. But the demands on its efficiency were also enormous, which became evident in the selection of building materials. Materials needed to comply with the strictest ecological building requirements, while more than 500 products were thoroughly tested before installation. The results of extensive monitoring were summarized in a study in 2019 and confirmed the success of the measures.
A total of 13 AHUs by robatherm are in operation at the Diedorf secondary school. The AHUs were connected to two large central systems via separate casings. The AHUs are designed for an air rate of 28.5 m³ per hour and person. The air volume is controlled room by room via CO2 sensors. Through adiabatic evaporative cooling in the exhaust air, the robatherm AHUs achieve a cooling effect of 5K. Just under 10 % of the total power consumption is required for ventilation. Electricity generated by the photovoltaic system on the roofs of the Diedorf secondary school exceeds the primary energy requirement of the entire school. Thus, the Schmuttertal Gymnasium can call itself a PlusEnergy-School, one of the first of its kind in Germany.
At a glance:
- 13 AHUs in an indoor design
- Connecting the AHUs to two central systems with connecting corridors including escape doors in the casing
- Adiabatic humidification of exhaust air for regenerative cooling
- An independently monitored study confirmed efficient operations
- 279.000 m³/h total throughput
Interview
We asked Günter Manhardt, Principal of Schmuttertal Gymnasium [High School] Diedorf
What feedback have you received from your staff about the indoor climate in the classrooms?
Günter Manhardt: „90% of the staff are very satisfied. Approximately 10% feel that the air is either too dry or the temperature too warm or cold. However, as the planner explained to me, there is an average percentage of dissatisfied people in any building when it comes to assessing the air quality.“
Do you notice any changes in the students? Are they more focused, less fidgety, or less tired than your experience in older school buildings?
Günter Manhardt: „My subjective assessment is that the ability to concentrate slightly increases or lasts a bit longer. However, I can't say whether this is due to the ventilation system, because the children's ability to perform and concentrate depends on many factors.“
How do you view the discussion on the subject of sporadic airing?
Günter Manhardt: „I am thrilled with our system that ensures continuous and automatic air exchange. Sporadic airing is an interim solution during these times; however, it comes with several disadvantages: It gets very cold, and the lessons are always interrupted.“
What is your general assessment of the connection between classroom air quality and successful teaching?
Günter Manhardt: „I believe that there is a connection there: acoustics, light, and air quality play an important role, albeit only an accompanying one: the effect on teaching well and successfully. However, students' fundamental disposition and teacher behavior probably have a far more significant impact. In principle, we here in Diedorf are delighted with the facility - it creates excellent conditions for working successfully in the school. “