In architecture, BIM (Building Information Modeling) files have become an essential element in improving the efficiency and quality of projects. The BIM file concept represents a design methodology based on the creation and management of a detailed virtual model of any building.

Unlike traditional 2D drawings, BIM files allow rich and detailed information to be integrated within a single 3D model. Each element, such as walls, floors, doors, fixtures and structures, is associated with specific data such as dimensions, material specifications, energy performance and planning information.

This approach allows architects and others to have a complete and detailed view of the project, facilitating understanding and analysis of the various components.

THE PROJECT

 The KIEM school is located in an area of rapid population growth. This made it necessary to provide new infrastructure to maintain the current attractiveness in the heart of the Kirchberg district.

Based on the needs expressed by the Department of Education and School Residences of the City of Luxembourg, the project includes:

• An extension that includes the addition of 11 classrooms, 5 support rooms, a conference room, toilets and service areas (cleaning, storage...), technical rooms and a kitchen for heating meals;
• A new day care centre for about 250 children, with 6 multifunctional rooms, toilets adapted to the number of children, a kitchen for snacks, a multi-purpose room, a workshop, service rooms for different functions (cleaning, storage, laundry, shower, etc.), and an outdoor play area.
• Pending the renovation of the existing part of the school, which includes the functional and technical adaptation and adequate security of the building in accordance with current standards, only the old caretaker's residence will be converted into a library and one classroom on the boundary with the extension will be renovated as part of this project.
• Most of the volume housing the caretaker's residence will be demolished. The extension will include a new caretaker's residence.
• The existing covered roof at the rear will be demolished and rebuilt.
• Public access to the houses at the rear will be maintained and adapted to the new configuration of the extension.

Description

 In order to rationalise construction and operating costs, the decision was made to create a new, single, compact volume integrating the school and day centre functions. This makes it possible to combine facilities, sanitary facilities and support functions in common with the two main functions (school and day care centre).
 Furthermore, if necessary, this arrangement will allow the day care centre rooms to be converted into classrooms without generating significant costs.
 The U-shaped arrangement of the service functions creates a multifunctional central space for recreational activities outside the traditional classrooms. These spaces also offer the possibility of various indoor games. Other smaller meeting spaces can also be found along the corridors between the classrooms. The extension differs from the existing school building in its contemporary expression, but remains in continuity through the use of brick for a large part of the facades that connect to the existing building. The roofs will be mainly covered with vegetation (green roofs). The existing topography will be adapted to the physiognomy of the project by means of appropriate supporting devices.

The energy concept of the project is in line with the current climate challenges for this type of building. An engineering firm will take care of the technical solutions and the building will obtain a category B energy certification.

Flat roofs will house the technical installations dedicated to low-energy buildings. A green roof will optimise the efficiency of photovoltaic panels. A system of active slabs will help cool the rooms during periods of intense heat.

Most of the façades will be clad with fibre cement panels with a playful motif. Some parts of the façades will be made of brick with dimensions and shades similar to the existing building. The access to the kitchen and garage will be covered with insulating plaster.

Particular attention was paid to the natural lighting of the spaces. The typology of the façades was designed to favour the provision of natural light in the main spaces, and various discreet sun protection solutions were installed to ensure maximum comfort for users.

Dimensions:

Total useful surface area of the extension: 4,866 m²

The total volume of the extension is 25,865 m³.

Outside, a new covered roof will be built to comfortably accommodate students in bad weather. An outdoor terrace area with 100 seats is planned in front of the canteen on the ground floor protected by three retractable awnings.

A parking area for 25 school staff will be created parallel to the south façade. It will also serve as access for the delivery of meals to the school kitchen. An area with medium height trees will act as a screen between the car park and the south façade of the extension. The site will be completely fenced off and secured according to the areas accessible to children, with special metal fencing.

The construction phase was planned so as to preserve the activity of the existing school.

• Demolition / Earthmoving / Concrete work: implementation in 2022.
• Waterproofing / Facades / Concrete Closure: Start in 2023.
• Interior finishing and exterior work: from the beginning of 2023 until the end of August 2024.

Chronology

• Start of studies: beginning of 2013
• Final project approval by the Executive Committee: 08/04/2020
• Final project approval by the City Council: 18/05/2020
• Building permit: 14/06/2021
• Authorisation of the Environment Administration: 15/10/2021
• Start of preliminary work: 01/11/2021
• Expected duration of works: 3 years

Cost estimation

26,350,000 € (including fees and taxes)

Direction of works

Ville de Luxembourg - Service Bâtiments
3, rue du Laboratoire
L-1911 Luxembourg

The architectural firm Perry Weber and Associates

 The current school building, built between 1987 and 1990, and the multipurpose hall in the early 2000s had already been designed by the architectural firm Perry Weber and Associates.

Founded in Luxembourg in 1977, Perry Weber and Associates has been under the direction of architect Nicolas Marafko since 2020. The team consists of a total of 12 people with different skills, 8 of whom are architects. The firm has realised numerous projects, including offices, nursing homes, schools, student residences, crematoria, town halls and commercial spaces.

The studio developed this extension project ensuring the aesthetic and functional continuity of the school in the Kiem district.

ECLISSE products used

In this project, the architectural firm used BIM objects and provided for the inclusion of 6 counterframes for retractable doors in the specifications.

Of these, four ECLISSE Unico model counterframes will be placed in the disabled children's toilets to maximise the space available inside, facilitating access and manoeuvrability for disabled users, without risk of collision or tripping.

The width dimension will be adequate to allow passage of a wheelchair or assistant.

The remaining 2 ECLISSE Syntesis Line EI30 counterframes and their 30-minute smoke and fire resistant door panels will be used to create a kind of watertight environment and will limit the spread of fire in the event of danger

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