30 Egbert-Gymnasium in Münsterschwarzach/Germany

Egbert-Gymnasium Münsterschwarzach, Schweinfurter Str. 40, 97359 Schwarzach am Main, Germany
Picture: © Knauf/Stefan Ernst

Modernization and energy refurbishment of a four-story school building of the private Egbert Grammar School in Münsterschwarzach near Würzburg. Since 2018, the entire school complex has been undergoing general renovation, both inside and out. In 2021, part of the plaster facade of a four-story school building was renovated. The school complex consists of six different building types of various construction years, which are closely related to the abbey buildings with brick rubble walls such as the monastery church of the well-known Münsterschwarzach Abbey. One goal is to improve energy efficiency by optimizing thermal insulation whilst considering the cultural heritage.

In a cost-benefit analysis, the architect and client decided to use an ETICS. The non-combustible insulation material has a good insulating value and offers maximum fire protection. It also has very good sound insulation and water vapor diffusion properties. The highlight in terms of craftsmanship is the plaster surface in broom finish structure, which visually connects the different buildings of the school complex and perfectly matches the quarry stone facades of the neighboring abbey buildings. The aim was to visually unite the various buildings into a single unit. This is achieved on the one hand by a uniform color scheme and on the other hand by the uniform broom finish. The broom finish gives the facade a handcrafted appearance. The surface structure of the plaster with the broom finish gives the facade a lively appearance. The appearance changes depending on the incidence of light.