Located in the foothills of the Swiss Alps, the town of Bovernier is highly prone to avalanches. In order to protect itself from one of these sudden natural disasters, administrators at the existing Bovenier Primary School commissioned Swiss architects Bonnard Woeffray to design an extention that would not only provide extra space, but would also act as sturdy protective barrier for the school and residents below.
The new extension houses a range of functions required by both the school and community including; physical education spaces, creative activitie areas and kindergarten classrooms. Situated at the base of an incline, a new habitable wall extends off the main building, providing a buffer in the event that a wall of snow comes rushing down the hills.
The building exhibits its keen sensitivity to topography and site-specific conditions. The building adheres closely to the site’s topography through both length and height. The new major spaces emerge from the incline and are built to bear the thrust of the snow.
Keeping with the theme of fortification, the entire addition is built out of concrete, which is both tough and while un doubtable the buildign material of choice for most, might get more than a bit grubby after the first winter. This will be distracted from by single metallic façade reflects the hillside, making the building seem to look less imposing on the country side. Playful cutouts in the concreat facade allow natural light to illuminate interior spaces and breaths of releif in auster frontage.
With it extension to the Bovenier Primary School, Bonnard Woeffray exhibits its keen sensitivity to topography and site-specific conditions—and its strong eye for modern design. Plus, parents will rest easier knowing their kids are safe and sound while getting a superb education!
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