Built in 2010 Grundschule Egglham in Germany is early example of a durable, modular school building built with a kit of parts.

In 2010, the Grundschule Egglham (Primary School Egglham) was constructed in Egglham, Germany, setting a benchmark for sustainable educational buildings at the time.

The project consists of three U-shaped, two-storey gable roof buildings that are interconnected, creating a cohesive and functional educational environment. The architectural design was spearheaded by Kremsreiter Architekten, with structural engineering by Seeberger Friedl Partner and specialist timber subcontracting by Grossmann Bau GmbH & Co KG.

An exceptional feature of Grundschule Egglham is its extensive use of visual quality cross-laminated timber(CLT). The project utilized Sylva™ CLT Floors and Roofs, and Walls, all in visible quality.

The visible quality of the CLT elements adds a natural warmth and beauty to the interior spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere for students and staff alike.

Building from a kit of parts offered several advantages for this project. One of the most significant benefits is the short construction time due to the high level of prefabrication. The Sylva CLT elements are manufactured off-site and then assembled on-site, which significantly reduces the overall construction timeline and minimizes disruption to the local community. This efficient building process is particularly beneficial for educational projects, where timely completion is crucial to meet the needs of the school calendar.

Grundschule Egglham's design and construction reflect a broader trend in the region towards sustainable building practices. The local area around Egglham has seen an increasing number of projects utilizing mass timber, highlighting a growing recognition of the environmental and structural benefits of this material.

Mass timber in schools offers several benefits for children's health and concentration, making it an excellent choice for educational environments.

Thermal comfort and acoustics: Timber has excellent thermal insulation properties, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. It also has good acoustic properties, reducing noise levels within classrooms. A comfortable and quiet environment is conducive to better concentration and learning.

Reduced stress levels: Studies have shown that exposure to wood in indoor environments can lower heart rates and reduce stress levels. This is particularly beneficial in a school setting, where lower stress levels can lead to improved focus and cognitive performance.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Using mass timber supports sustainable building practices, which can instil a sense of environmental responsibility in students. Knowing that their school is built from renewable resources can foster a positive attitude towards sustainability.

Learn more about health and wellness with mass timber in educational facilities.

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