Two spacious wooden shelters were built for the playground at Obermatt School in Hergiswil. The open roofs create sheltered gathering areas and clearly define the outdoor space.

The Project
As part of the expansion of the Obermatt School in Hergiswil, two new shelters were constructed. They provide students with sheltered areas for breaks, outdoor classes, and informal interaction. The structures define the outdoor space and give structure to the playground without restricting its openness. With their clear layout, they complement the existing school grounds and enhance the quality of the outdoor environment. The shelters are designed as robust, durable wooden structures and blend naturally into the existing school grounds.
The Construction Method
The shelters were constructed as slender TS3-PTS timber structures. The supporting structure consists of cross-laminated timber elements with precise joints and clear geometry. The open construction allows for maximum openness while providing efficient weather protection. The high degree of prefabrication enabled a short assembly time and precise on-site installation. Thanks to TS3, it was possible to dispense with joists and use pure V-shaped columns.
The Challenges
Implementation on the heavily trafficked school grounds placed high demands on logistics, safety, and the construction process. Installation had to take place while school operations continued. Thanks to prefabrication and a compact design, disruptions and impacts were minimized.
Construction data
Architecture
Unit Architects, Hergiswil
Client
Municipality of Hergiswil
Timber engineer
HTB Ingenieure AG, Rapperswil-Jona
Timber construction
Blumer Lehmann, Gossau
CLT Manufacturer
Schilliger Holz AG, Küssnacht