Solutions Name
Exemplary Building
Offer Type
Solution offer
Description
The project showcases an integrated approach grounded in bioclimatic architectural quality, high‑performance timber construction, and long‑term durability. The building’s placement and volume reflect a strong commitment to landscape integration, creating a balanced dialogue between the built structure and its natural surroundings. The spatial organisation, structured around a bright central atrium, supports flexible and high‑quality uses while maximising passive solar gains and natural daylight.
Timber construction forms the backbone of the project’s load‑bearing structure. This is the first school in Luxembourg built with locally sourced wood: the timber was harvested directly from the forest adjacent to the construction site. This illustrates an approach that is both artisanal and innovative, optimising short supply chains, significantly reducing the carbon footprint, and contributing to a forward‑looking reflection on sustainable forest resources.
The project also stands out for its experimental and creative dimension, particularly through the use of innovative and durable materials. The façade is made of exposed cork, which also serves as insulation, combined with a bio‑based insulating material produced from recycled cotton.
Energy performance is driven by advanced bioclimatic design: optimised orientation, natural night‑time ventilation combined with mechanical ventilation, controlled thermal inertia, and the integration of renewable‑energy systems — including heating via an ice‑storage accumulator and a heat pump. These systems ensure high energy efficiency and comfort while limiting resource consumption. The building is energy‑positive, producing more energy than it consumes.
Finally, the project fully embraces circular‑economy principles. Concepts of disassembly, reuse, and recyclability were integrated from the design stage, notably by prioritising mechanical fixings over adhesives. With a “cradle‑to‑cradle” approach, this building is a reproducible example of responsible and adaptable construction. It has received DGNB Platinum certification, achieving the highest global score ever awarded for a school.
Themes
Sustainable construction and renovation
Geographic zones
Luxembourg
Who is the solution for?
Local Governments
Environmental benefit
A pioneering example that demonstrates that this is entirely feasible with the commitment of all stakeholders involved in this type of construction
Environmental impact gain - continued
Energy-independent building;
Reduced resource consumption through the predominant use of bio-based, and therefore renewable, materials;
Healthy building: certified by indoor air quality tests
Construction site with the SuperDrecksKëscht label for waste sorting
Excellent / Low carbon footprint: 5.18 kg CO2-Aq./m²a
Solution type
Service
Solution maturity level
Real system completed and qualified by tests and demonstrators (TRL 8)
How does the solution work?
The project is being developed as a sustainable construction pilot project, structured around three key areas: architecture, materials, and engineering.
The architecture is based on bioclimatic principles: optimized orientation, natural light through large openings, automated sunshades, and cooling via natural ventilation. The layout, centered around a central atrium, promotes light diffusion and enhances the quality of the spaces, while reducing energy needs and improving user comfort.
Materials: The project is the first school in Luxembourg built using local wood sourced from the municipality’s forests. It also incorporates bio-based and recycled materials, including an insulated facade made of exposed cork and insulation derived from recycled textiles, as well as photocatalytic, antibacterial, and anti-pollution tiles, all of which contribute to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint.
Technical details: The building is energy-positive, featuring ice storage heating with heat pumps and hybrid solar panels.
If applicable, what is the added value compared to conventional solutions?
Use of Local Wood
- Structure made of local wood sourced from the forests of the municipality of Hesperange: reducing the carbon footprint by using short supply chains
- Cork insulation and exterior cladding: a 100% natural product with good insulating properties. Ideal for both winter and summer and, of course, recyclable.
- Recycled “Jeans”-type insulation: a bio-based insulation material derived from recycling.
- Organic paint and wood paneling for interior walls, thereby limiting children’s exposure to chemicals.
- Ice-based heating system
- “Natural Cooling” systems: Cooling via natural vertical ventilation driven by thermal draft. Adiabatic cooling combined with delayed activation of the floor heating system
- A combined photovoltaic and solar panel system designed to make the elementary school and after-school care center energy self-sufficient
- Rainwater harvesting tank to cover a large portion of the water needs for the restrooms.
- Water wall to humidify and purify the air
Have you already implemented this solution for an industrial client/a local authority? If so, can you name a client who would be willing to testify about the implementation of your solution?
Yes
Hesperange Municipal Administration
Has your solution been labeled, certified, a winner of a competition/award, etc.? If so, please specify (e.g., Solar Impulse Foundation label, Greentech award, etc.)
DGNB Platinum and the 2023 Eurosolar Award
Location
Luxembourg
