Automatic fresh air
There has been a great deal of discussion about how to properly ventilate classrooms in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Automatically controlled ventilation flaps in the façade are perfect for this. They supply fresh air whenever it is needed but are less complex and require less maintenance than central ventilation systems. Architectural practice Möller Klockow + Partner chose this solution for the renovation of a secondary school in Trossingen, giving it a new, contemporary look with window systems from Schüco.

Ten years ago, the school in Trossingen in Baden-Württemberg was definitely in need of renovation. A lot of work has been done since then. Architects Möller Klockow + Partner have gradually brought the 1960s building up to date, both technically and visually. The project kicked off with the renovation of the three-storey centre section which contains 18 classrooms. Its flat roof was reinsulated and the façades were fitted with a composite thermal insulation system with white plaster. New, triple-glazed windows with profiles from the Schüco AWS 75.SI+ (Super Insulation) system have now replaced the timber windows, which were over 40 years old and installed when the school was originally constructed. "They were at the end of their useful life and their large horizontal pivot vents were no longer permitted either," says Andreas Klockow. Narrow, highly thermally insulated AWS 75 VV.SI+ ventilation vents with metal surface finishes in red, orange and blue accentuate the ribbon windows that span the entire width of the classrooms. "We also used the same colours in the interior, for example in the linoleum floor and the pinboards in the classrooms," says Klockow.

The ventilation vents take on a function that is extremely important, especially in schools. Each class requires between 500 and 900 cubic metres of fresh air every hour. In order to ensure sufficient air quality to classrooms purely by means of window ventilation, they would all need to be opened every 20 minutes.  This is virtually impossible on a normal school day using conventional manually operated windows. At the school in Trossingen, however, the integrated chain actuators and Schüco TipTronic fittings automatically open and close the ventilation flaps at regular intervals. This is controlled via a timer from the central building management system as soon as people settle in a room. Motion sensors have also been fitted in the classrooms to ensure this.

If necessary, the ventilation flaps can also be opened directly in the classrooms. Wind and rain sensors ensure that they close again quickly in bad weather. The system also has a night-time cooling function. On summer nights, this keeps the flaps open for an extended period in order to bring cool air into the building. The next morning the temperatures inside will be comfortable and the new school day can begin.