Structure and space, construction and expression form a convincing unity. The buildings develop a strong identity from this interplay, which came about thanks to the close cooperation of all those involved: from the urban design to the detailing, the extension of the Limmattal cantonal school provides convincing answers to questions of contemporary construction. Concrete plays a key role in this. Its different qualities are cleverly used to achieve the most efficient use of materials, half of which is recycled concrete. Only thanks to concrete was it possible to achieve the high functional and technical requirements for the extension buildings and the desired minimization of volume. All this and the ability of the designers to transform the numerous requirements into buildings with a high degree of independence impressed the jury.

The wing for the natural sciences is a framework of prefabricated concrete columns, beams and in-situ concrete ceilings as storage mass as well as partition walls in lightweight construction. There is no need for load-bearing cores, as the end faces cast in in-situ concrete and the parapets and façade supports designed as frames are sufficient for bracing. This concept ensures long-term flexibility and free subdivision of the structure.

The innovative ceiling structure minimizes concrete consumption and makes optimum use of the cross-section: In the central zone with the openly visible collections, which form the attractive center of the departments, the beams are interrupted. This provides sufficient height for the visible cables, which are distributed between the transverse beams in the rooms. Thanks to the beams arranged every 2.5 m or so, the ceilings in the rooms are very slender.