1644x
The engineers of Josef Kolb AG were responsible for the structural engineering and fire resistance design, and utilized RFEM for the structural analysis.
Structure
The supporting slabs and walls of the modular structure were designed with cross-laminated timber (CLT). All the modules were entirely prefabricated at the timber building company Renggli AG, including the building envelope, doors, light, heating elements, and so on. Due to this efficient construction method, the school building was assembled in four short days.
All structural connections and technical installations were designed as plugged, screwed, or coupled for efficient and easy disassembling.
The visually appealing flight of stairs attached to the building front consists of a glued-laminated timber truss structure. It is supported by T-beams and steel square pipe supports. The connection points consist of slotted sheets and guide pins. Metal profile gratings were used for the steps and stair landings.
The open staircase, along with the efficient modular construction of the building envelope, has proven to be not only functional, but cost effective.
| Client | Town of Biel, Switzerland |
| Architect | Verve Architekten GmbH www.verve-architekten.ch |
| Structural Engineering, Fire Resistance | Josef Kolb AG www.b-3.ch |
| Timber Structure | Renggli AG www.renggli-international.com |
