New temporary building creates space for rising student numbers
The Georg Büchner School (GBS) in Darmstadt has a new temporary building. With six additional classrooms, the city of Darmstadt is responding to rising student numbers and the resulting space constraints. City Treasurer André Schellenberg and Head of Schools Holger Klötzner recently officially inaugurated the new building.
The building was constructed using modular construction methods within approximately six months and was ready for use at the start of the 2026/27 school year in August. The planning process had to take into account both the limited space available on the school grounds and the building's protected status as a historical monument.
Rising student numbers require additional classrooms
Like other secondary schools in Darmstadt, the Georg-Büchner-School faces the challenge of accommodating a growing number of students.
For the 2026/27 school year, there was an additional need for six classrooms. As this had to be met at short notice, the city looked for ways to make better use of the existing space on the school grounds.
An additional challenge is the return of Darmstadt's grammar schools from the eight-year to the nine-year secondary school system (G9). With the exception of the Lichtenberg School, all grammar schools are affected by this change, which further increases the need for space.
The Georg Büchner School also experiences high demand due to its bilingual branch and its sports profile.
Modular construction enables rapid implementation
The city opted for a temporary building constructed using modular methods. Part of the existing parking area in front of the sports hall and gymnasium was used as the site.
The real estate management department of the city of Darmstadt (IDA) implemented the project in cooperation with the city's school board, the monument protection office, the green spaces office and the Technical University of Darmstadt.
City treasurer André Schellenberg particularly emphasizes the short construction time.
“Despite the short time horizon of just under half a year, this space requirement could be met by the start of the new school year in August 2026,” explains Schellenberg.
During the design process, care was taken to ensure that the new building obscured the listed school complex as little as possible. The color scheme was also coordinated with the existing school buildings.
Modern equipment and use of solar power
The new building complex features a gently sloping gable roof with thermal insulation. Heating is provided by split air conditioning units.
The photovoltaic systems on the existing buildings of the Georg Büchner School can be used for electricity supply. According to the city, these cover the electricity needs of the temporary building for the majority of the year.
The additional classrooms are of high quality and digitally equipped.
School superintendent Holger Klötzner emphasizes that the spatial expansion is necessary to meet the increasing demands of school operations.
"The Georg Büchner School does excellent educational work and is constantly developing, also with regard to student numbers. To meet the increased demands, high-quality and digitally equipped classrooms are needed," explains Klötzner.
He also acknowledges the cooperation between the city offices and the school management, which enabled the project to be implemented within a few months.
The property became city property
Part of the parking area in front of the sports halls was used for the construction of the interim building.
In connection with the construction project, the property in question was transferred from the State of Hesse, or rather the Technical University of Darmstadt, to the ownership of the City of Darmstadt. The city's real estate management department, IDA, is responsible for its management.
This enabled the city to secure the necessary land for the expansion of the school site.
The Georg Büchner School is a listed building
The Georg Büchner School is one of the so-called Darmstadt master buildings from the 1950s and is a listed building.
Parts of the school have already been renovated in the past, most recently the small gymnasium. The school complex has also been expanded to include a cafeteria.
The school is an important secondary school in the east of Darmstadt. In addition to its bilingual program, it has a strong sports focus with special sports classes, sports as an A-level examination subject, and recognition as a "Regional Talent Center" funded by the state of Hesse.
The new classrooms are intended to help relieve the existing buildings and improve the spatial conditions for school operations.
The most important information
School: Georg-Büchner-School (GBS), Darmstadt
Construction project: Erection of a temporary building using modular construction methods
Additional capacity: Six classrooms
Completion: By the start of the 2026/27 school year in August 2026
Construction time: Approximately six months
Location: Former section of the parking lot in front of the sports hall and gymnasium
Features: Digitally equipped classrooms, insulated pitched roof and heating via split air conditioning units
Energy supply: Photovoltaic systems on the existing school buildings cover the electricity demand for the majority of the year.
Special feature: Consideration of the preservation of historical monuments during construction next to the historic school complex
Responsible authority: Real Estate Management of the City of Science Darmstadt (IDA)
(DARMSTADT – PSD/RED/stip)
