Austrian architectural studio Bernardo Bader Architekten has unveiled a cuboidal primary school in the mountainous town of Au, located in the Bregenzerwald region. The school, designed as part of an existing educational campus, aims to integrate seamlessly into the rural landscape and function as a “village within the village.”
A Vision for Community Integration
The new building is an extension of the campus, which already includes a middle school and a kindergarten. The project also incorporates a new schoolyard that serves as the heart of the site. By 2026, the campus will feature a gymnasium connected to the primary school through an underground link.
Bernardo Bader, the studio’s founder, explained the concept:
“The basic spatial idea is the creation of a school village, ‘the village within the village’. The position of the buildings creates a rich collection of typologically different outdoor spaces, which balances itself with the existing structures to form an equal composition of body and space.”
The central schoolyard, enclosed by the campus buildings, is designed as a multi-purpose area where students can play and learn, especially during warmer months.
A Homage to Regional Craftsmanship
The new primary school, built as a cube-shaped structure, is clad in larch planks and raised on a concrete base. Its timber-clad interior mirrors the region’s historical association with woodworking and craftsmanship. This design celebrates the legacy of the 17th-century Vorarlberg School, a local guild of builders and carpenters.
“The predominant use of wood as a building material and the masterly craftsmanship can be understood as a vote for the continuation of a local building tradition,” said Bader. He emphasized that the natural materials create a warm and welcoming environment, fostering security over sterility.
Design and Layout
Classrooms are strategically placed at the corners of the cube to maximize natural light and provide sweeping views of the mountainous surroundings. Inside, wooden finishes contribute to a cohesive and calming atmosphere.
The basement cloakroom, located on a slight slope, features direct access to an outdoor sports field. The upcoming gymnasium will complete the campus layout, enhancing the school’s functionality. Steps between the primary school and gymnasium will offer a visual and physical connection to the playing field.
Contextual Elegance
This project is one of many by Bernardo Bader Architekten that celebrates local materials and traditional craftsmanship. Previous works include a timber-finished kindergarten in Lustenau and a stone-clad ski center designed to reflect the rugged Alpine surroundings.
By combining thoughtful design, historical context, and a community-focused layout, the new primary school exemplifies architecture that integrates modern needs with regional identity.