Primary school Kindermanngasse

Project: Primary School Kindermanngasse

Segment: Education

Country/city: Austria, Vienna

Architect: Atelier Architekt Palme

Installer: Roomex GmbH

Photographer: Thomas Sieberer Fotograf

Production year: 2025

Balancing heritage and acoustics in a modern learning Environment

The listed Kindermanngasse primary school in Vienna was carefully modernised as part of a comprehensive refurbishment. The aim was to preserve the building’s historic character while creating a contemporary learning environment that meets the needs of a modern school. Both acoustics and interior design played a central role.

One of the main challenges was to balance the listed architecture with a child-friendly, modern expression. The acoustic solutions were designed to integrate naturally into the overall concept, rather than appear as technical add-ons. The selected Ecophon systems achieve this balance – improving acoustic comfort while adding subtle visual interest, without compromising the building’s heritage.

In the dining hall, Ecophon Solo™ Circle free-hanging units were installed beneath the existing vaulted ceilings. Their rhythmic arrangement creates a playful ceiling landscape while significantly improving speech intelligibility.

The circular design is echoed in the stairwells, where the elements, combined with lighting, create clear focal points that reinforce the building’s character.

In the classrooms, Ecophon Akusto™ Wall A was used. In addition to high acoustic performance, the panels provide practical functionality as pinboards, supporting everyday school activities.

The collaboration with Ecophon was close and consistent throughout the project – from early planning stages to completion. This ensured that the acoustic solutions were carefully aligned with the architectural vision.