Maison Relais ‚Alt Sprëtzenhaus‘, Esch-sur-Alzette (LUX)

project Conversion and transformation of the former fire station into a day care center client Community of Esch-sur-Alzette (LUX), public services WW+, Esch-sur-Alzette (LUX) / Trier (GER) Architecture / Interior design similar to  HOAI LPH 1-9 in cooperation with civil engineering/projectmanagement Schroeder & Associés SA, Luxembourg (LUX) technical engineering Siegel Schleimer sàrl, Aspelt (LUX) gfa 2.015 m² gv 6.387 m³ net construction costs 4.284.699 € start of planning 03/2019 realisation 11/2020 - 08/2022

photos Henri Collette 1111 Photography

Facts

• Technical refurbishment, conversion and extension of the existing building into a Maison Relais for 145 children
• New building with use of ecological building materials
• 7 studios with glazed facades facing the inner courtyard
• library, quiet room and canteen (usable as homework room)
• 602 m2 schoolyard, of which 224 m2 playground
• Facade of the annex with integrated games over- looking the courtyard + 43 m2 patio between 2 studios
• 125 m2 vegetable garden on roof terrace
• Partially greened roof with 55 m2 photovoltaic panel area

Introduction

The former fire station “Alt Spretzenhaus” in Esch-sur-Alzette, 60, rue de Fossé, is part of the cultural heritage of the city. The project “Maison Relais Alt Spretzenhaus” is about the renovation and conversion of this building into a Maison Relais. Through the renovation and redevelopment, the building from the industrialisation period is to be adapted for today’s requirements and, with an extension, create space for about 145 children in order to meet the need for all-day care for the children of the neighbouring schools.

The project is being carried out by the architectural office WW+ architektur + management sàrl in collaboration with the specialist planning offices Schroeder & Associés SA for the structural engineering and infrastructures and Büro Siegel Schleimer Ingenieurs-conseils s.a.r.l. for the building services.

Location

The building is strategically located in the city due to its position between the three schools “Delhéicht”, “Grand-Rue” and “Ale Lycée”.

The extension fits into the urban landscape between the existing building and the neighbouring buildings. The parking lot currently located on the site will be replaced by the school’s outdoor area, including a children’s playground. The extension extends the full depth of the neighbouring buildings, but is divided by an interior courtyard to allow the activity spaces to be fully open to the outside.

A fully glazed hall serves as a connecting space between the existing building and the new extension. The facades facing the courtyard are mostly glazed, while the facades facing the street are more closed. These are fitted with generous windows that frame the view of the surroundings.

Building

The old building extends over three floors, including the attic, while the new building comprises only two floors above ground, but is given an additional basement, mainly to house the technical installations. The program and design were developed to maintain the structural framework of the existing building as much as possible.

The building includes seven activity rooms that can accommodate an average of 18 children each, distributed over two floors. In addition, the canteen can be used as a homework room and the library and quiet room are located on the 2nd floor, which are not counted among the activity rooms. Some of the rooms can be connected with the adjacent rooms by sliding doors. The rooms located on the first floor open completely to the courtyard.

The activity rooms of the Maison Relais are mainly located in the new building to benefit from the large open spaces. The design concept of the library, due to its location in the attic, is that of a tree house to retreat in the secluded height. The sanitary facilities are distributed on three floors according to the capacity of the activity rooms.

Materials - energy concept

From an energy and environmental point of view, the City Council of the City of Esch-sur-Alzette would like to see special care taken in the selection of materials and technologies used in the building. The requirements of the climate pact, in which the city is involved, will be respected in the planning and implementation of this building. The existing building will undergo technical renovation (mineral interior insulation, new windows and flooring, insulation of the roof, etc.) and renovation to enhance the facade of the existing building.

In the interest of sustainable development, the new building will use materials consisting of natural raw materials, so-called “ecological materials” (wood construction, wood fiber insulation, mineral wool, etc.). The new building will be realised as far as possible as a wooden construction. The roof will be planted as a flat roof with extensive greenery.

Handicap accessibility

The building has been designed to facilitate movement and use of the spaces by persons with reduced mobility. The entrances of the building are on the null level to facilitate access for PMR. WC PMR (WC + shower) are situated on the first floor. The width of the corridors and doors meet the minimum dimensions for the passage of wheelchairs. An elevator makes it possible to move between the different floors, despite limited mobility.