Designed as a sanctuary for young minds the Heliosschule in Cologne stands as a testament to innovative architecture. It also embodies a commitment to environmental responsibility. This is not just another school building. The Heliosschule is a pilot project. It serves as a practical teacher training facility in cooperation with the University of Cologne.
The Heliosschule is located on the site of the former Helios electrical engineering company in Cologne’s Ehrenfeld district. Completed between 2020 and 2021 the Heliosschule represents the city’s first inclusive university school. More than just a place of learning for children and young people, it’s a space where teachers are also taught. Unlike traditional schools the Heliosschule opens its doors to the community. It acts as a school quarter for everyone.
Spannverbund contributed to this open learning landscape. They designed manufactured and assembled diverse steel and composite steel elements. These elements include five steel trusses 4 meters tall and 30 meters long. These span the three-pitch sports hall. Composite beams up to 23 meters long steel stairs and bracing elements were also installed. Spannverbund managed 900 tonnes of steelwork from design to installation.
The Heliosschule takes bird safety seriously. It encourages bird protection for new construction. Eastman a global supplier of interlayers for glass collaborated with the school’s architect. They installed bird-friendly Saflex FlySafe 3D PVB interlayers in the school’s 8-meter-tall glass windows. Billions of birds die yearly. They mistakenly collide with glass reflecting trees and vegetation. Eastman’s product addresses this issue uniquely. Three-dimensional reflective sequins capture light at different angles. Birds are deterred by the flash. They avoid the glass panels.
The Helios installation of FlySafe 3D launched in May 2022. It was a pilot project for Eastman. The discrete sequin pattern covers less than 1% of the glass surface. Because the sequins are layered between glass the bird protection is long-lasting. Building occupants barely notice the sequins. They do not detract from views.
The architects specified Saflex FlySafe 3D combined with Saflex Acoustic PVB interlayers. A protective coating was added to the outer lite. The glass panes manufactured by Thiele Glas measure exactly 2970 mm by 7950 mm and 2640 mm by 4820 mm. The base glass and coating came from Saint-Gobain. Metal Yapi installed the facade glass.
FlySafe 3D PVB interlayers have received top ratings from bird-safety authorities. Collision Laboratories in Hohenau-Ringelsdorf Austria tested the 3D-reflective technology. It is recognized as highly effective and durable with better aesthetics. Saflex FlySafe 3D can help builders meet regulations for bird protection. This includes LEED Innovation credit for Bird Collision Deterrence.
The Heliosschule stands as an example of how thoughtful design. The Heliosschule prioritizes both education and environmental stewardship. The Heliosschule offers a safe and inspiring space for learning and growth.