elevated concrete truss frame forms vocational school for construction trades in zurich

Gunz & Künzle Architekt*innen’s Multi-Functional School

Located in central Zurich, Switzerland, the new vocational school for construction trades was designed by Gunz & Künzle Architekt*innen to serve both educational and civic functions. The building maximizes classroom space while also contributing public areas to the surrounding neighborhood. The building’s elongated form follows the street edge, establishing a spacious courtyard that provides access to communal programs located on the first floor. This elevated level, designed as a truss frame structure, is suspended over the gymnasiums, which span from the basement to ground level.

Internally, the building is organized with a rational grid system on the upper levels, supporting classroom layouts that prioritize spatial efficiency. The first floor features a flexible, open-plan space intended for multiple functions. This space incorporates robust materials, curtain partitions, and multifunctional modular furniture to accommodate exhibitions, events, and hands-on construction workshops.

all images by Federico Farinatti unless stated otherwise

Exposed Concrete structure as Educational Tool in Architecture

The exposed concrete structure acts as a durable framework designed for long-term adaptability. This system-oriented approach by Gunz & Künzle Architekt*innen Studio supports sustainability goals by allowing the building to evolve through future modification and reuse. Rather than presenting a fixed architectural image, the project foregrounds construction processes and user appropriation as key components of its identity. By integrating building systems into both the function and appearance of the structure, the vocational school becomes an active teaching tool, demonstrating construction techniques and architectural logic to its users.

Vocational school for construction trades in central Zurich

designed by Gunz & Künzle Architekt*innen for both education and community use

elongated building footprint follows the urban street edge

the courtyard connects to the school’s communal first-floor programs | image by Willem Pab

the spacious courtyard defines the site’s central public space | image by Willem Pab

first floor designed as a suspended truss structure | image by Willem Pab

the truss frame elevates the public zone above active sports areas | image by Willem Pab

upper levels follow a rational grid for classroom efficiency | image by Willem Pab

classrooms organized to maximize daylight and functional use | image by Willem Pab

gymnasiums located below, spanning basement to ground level

movable partitions allow for adaptable interior configurations

modular furniture supports exhibitions, events, and workshops

exposed concrete structure emphasizes material clarity

architecture designed to evolve through reuse and modification

robust materials selected for durability and reconfiguration

open spaces accommodate hands-on construction activities

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project info:

name: Vocational school for construction trades
architect: Gunz & Künzle Architekt*innen | @gunzkuenzle

location: Zurich, Switzerland

photographer: Federico Farinatti | @federicofarinatti

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom