Peter Gross Bau GmbH & Co. KG has been commissioned by the Lahn-Dill-Kreis (Lahn-Dill district) with the turnkey realisation of the replacement new-build for the Friedrich-Fröbel-Schule in Wetzlar. This construction project comprises a special needs school focusing on intellectual development, with an additional department for physical and motor development. Construction work began in September 2023, with completion anticipated for November 2027. The contract volume for this project amounts to approximately 21 million EUR.
The new-build extends over a gross floor area of approximately 13,165 square metres and has a gross enclosed volume of about 29,674 cubic metres. The school building will be constructed with two storeys. While the ground floor is being built using solid reinforced concrete construction, the upper floor will utilise timber construction with cross-laminated timber (CLT). The overall concept for the new school ensemble envisages four separate buildings grouped around a spacious inner courtyard.
Sustainability and design
A special focus is being placed on sustainable solutions in the design and technical equipment of the new-build. Planned measures include the installation of a photovoltaic system, the use of geothermal energy in conjunction with heat pumps, and green roofs. Additionally, rainwater cisterns and soakaways are planned to ensure efficient rainwater management. The facade design also differs: the ground floor will have a curtain-wall, rear-ventilated facade with coloured fibre cement panels, while a vertical timber facade is planned for the upper floor.
Together with the existing school building from 2009, a clear layout will be created, forming a central 'village centre'. Modern learning and therapy rooms, a small sports hall, administrative areas, and a building with a multi-storey car park are planned. The hillside location of the plot presents a particular structural challenge. Approximately 8,000 cubic metres of earth must be moved for the excavation pit, while three building sections are simultaneously being constructed in shell. The outdoor facilities, covering around 21,000 square metres, will be designed to resemble a park.
- —Gross floor area: approx. 13,165 square metres
- —Gross enclosed volume: approx. 29,674 cubic metres
- —Contract volume: approx. 21 million EUR
- —Construction period: September 2023 to November 2027
Patrick Vogel, Senior Site Manager at Peter Gross Hochbau Gießen, stated that the replacement new-build for the Friedrich-Fröbel-Schule is a demanding construction project that combines modern construction methods with the specific requirements of a contemporary special needs school. He emphasised the pleasure of implementing the project together with the Lahn-Dill-Kreis and contributing to a modern learning environment with their own experience in turnkey construction. District Administrator Carsten Braun of the Lahn-Dill-Kreis added that the new-build should also serve well for decades, requiring high construction quality within the budget framework. He also highlighted that Peter Gross Bau involves local subcontractors in the implementation, ensuring that value creation remains within the region.
