What happened

Ecole Brouch in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, has brought its first construction phase into use. The project, designed by JSWD and Jim Clemes Associates, combines an existing historic school with new education buildings as part of the redevelopment of the Brouch district.

The completed phase includes Building C to the south and Building D to the west. Ultimately, the scheme is intended to comprise the renovated historic building and three new school blocks. Four building volumes are arranged around an almost square courtyard. Openings at ground level maintain views and access across the courtyard, while glazed bridges at first-floor level connect the buildings.

A pedestrian route without vehicles passes through the site. The layout also includes classrooms and before- and after-school care areas that can be adapted for different uses. An open stair in Building C incorporates timber seating steps for pupils.

Why it matters

The project illustrates how an older education building can be retained while expanding capacity through new construction. Its layout connects teaching, care and shared spaces rather than separating them rigidly, allowing the school to respond to changing operational requirements without major structural alterations.

Environmental measures form part of the design. The buildings use natural ventilation, supported by a façade-integrated Parieto window system and roof-mounted fans that manage airflow. The system is intended to bring cooled fresh air indoors during summer and to use solar-warmed air in winter. Solar panels on the new buildings’ flat roofs will provide some on-site electricity.

Background

The new buildings use facing brick selected to complement the colours of the historic school’s rendered and natural-stone façade. Their window proportions also refer to the existing structure. Bronze-coloured anodised aluminium window frames and oak interior elements are among the material choices.

Artwork by Daniel Mac Lloyd is incorporated into the school, particularly around the open stair areas. The work draws on the kingfisher, a bird associated with the region.

What's next

Later phases will deliver the third new school building and the refurbishment of the historic structure. The completed campus is planned to provide about 11,000 m² of usable area. A separate preschool building and a sheltered garden courtyard are also planned opposite the school.