AHS Ettenreichgasse School

Project: AHS Ettenreichgasse School

Segment: Education

Country/city: Austria, Vienna

Architect: SOLID architecture ZT GmbH

Installer: Strabag Innenausbau

Photographer: Kurt Kuball

Production year: 2025

Future‑ready learning through modernisation and improved acoustics

AHS Ettenreichgasse School in Vienna has undergone a major refurbishment and extension, transforming the 1960s school into a contemporary learning environment for around 1,000 students and 85 teachers. Designed by SOLID Architecture, the project added 5,500 m² of new space, improved the exterior of the building – including new windows, upgraded insulation and a refreshed façade – and introduced modern learning areas including open zones, music rooms and a multifunctional hall.

Acoustics played a central role in creating an environment that supports focus and comfort. Ecophon Focus™ Lp ceiling systems, Ecophon Solo™ Baffle and Ecophon Akusto™ Wall A absorbers were installed throughout classrooms, corridors and shared areas to reduce reverberation and control noise. As architect Christoph Hinterreitner noted: “You enter the building, experience a calm and relaxed atmosphere and think to yourself: 800 students – and it’s so quiet. Where is everyone?” This captures the noticeable improvement achieved across the school.

The acoustic solutions were also integrated into the architectural expression, with linear ceiling layouts and discreet baffles that support both function and design intent. Combined with enhanced building performance and a renewed spatial organisation, the project demonstrates how thoughtful modernisation and well‑designed acoustics can create a robust, future‑oriented learning environment.

The transformation of AHS Ettenreichgasse shows how older school buildings can be successfully modernised into high‑quality, future‑ready learning spaces through targeted upgrades and carefully designed acoustics.