Sustainable school building in Kloten: A timber construction with exemplary character

With the extension of the Nägelimoos school complex in Kloten, the town is sending out a clear signal for sustainable construction: Wood is a key material in this project. The high-performance truss of the sports hall, which spans over 30 m, is an impressive example of the innovative power of modern timber engineering.

In future, the pupils of the "Nägi" will be able to learn and play sport in a particularly pleasant indoor atmosphere: Around 2,300m3 of wood was used in the first construction phase of the new school complex alone, which includes the double gymnasium and the secondary school building.

Wood as a key material for sustainability

The choice of wood as the primary building material was a conscious decision to use a renewable,CO2-binding raw material: wood is ideal for meeting the high requirements for climate protection, functionality and architectural quality of the buildings. As a reliable, flexible and cooperative partner, Implenia Holzbau is responsible for the planning and execution of all timber construction work for the school extension.

Impressive high-performance framework

Particularly noteworthy is the 30-meter-long high-performance truss of the gymnasium, made of spruce and beech. The construction impresses with its efficient use of materials and high load-bearing capacity as an outstanding example of modern timber engineering. "The supporting structures enable large spans with a filigree appearance and were specially developed to meet the requirements of spacious gymnasium architecture," explains Beda Weber, Head of Implenia Timber Construction. The lattice girders were prefabricated and supplied as components by neue Holzbau AG. Implenia Holzbau installed the approximately 3.2 meter high parts in the gymnasium ceiling.

Flying high in sports: the high-performance truss allows for a generously designed gymnasium that impresses with its impressive height and brightness.
Impressive dimensions: The lattice girders supplied as components are lifted into place.
Open design: Generous glass fronts allow a view into the secondary school gym. Source: Galli Rudolf Architekten AG ETH BSA / Visualization: Atelier Brunecky

Interior spaces that make you feel good

The gymnasium is part of the central building with two upper floors, which house a 270m2 multi-purpose room with a stage, classrooms with group rooms and two school kitchens. Like the central building, the neighboring secondary school building was also constructed using a timber hybrid construction method. Visible wooden surfaces in the interior create a warm atmosphere and contribute to the well-being of the users.

A pleasant atmosphere for learning: Wood creates a good atmosphere in the classrooms.
Feel at home: View of the secondary school's central common room with anteroom and checkroom.

Learning, meeting, moving

The planning and implementation of the gymnasium and the extension of the secondary school was carried out by the architectural firm Galli Rudolf Architekten and AS Baumanagement GmbH in close collaboration with the timber construction engineering firm Makiol Wiederkehr AG. The result is a clearly structured, bright school complex with an open design that invites people to learn, move and meet.

The new Nägelimoos school campus at a glance - with the new gymnasium and secondary school buildings as well as the new elementary school building, which will be tackled in the second stage. Source: Galli Rudolf Architects ETH BSA AG

The plant from the air

Source : Google Earth

Everything just-in-time

Implenia Holzbau has successfully completed the first stage. One particular challenge was the large amount of work running in parallel with other contractors - and under a tight schedule. The dedicated team mastered this thanks to precise just-in-time project planning and equally coordinated execution.

Working together for a sustainable future

The Nägelimoos project shows how sustainable educational buildings can be realized through consistent ecological planning and interdisciplinary collaboration. The city of Kloten, the project team and all those involved are sending a strong signal for building culture and climate protection with this school complex.

Beda Weber emphasizes: "We are delighted that we can contribute to the success of this sustainable project with our know-how, our expertise and our solution-oriented approach. Together, we are creating a good and healthy learning and living environment on the new school campus - for current and future generations." His team will start work on the second stage with the new elementary school building in the second quarter of 2026.

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