# Sustainable Educational Architecture Projects CURA Architekten Presents a Project in Switzerland By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-07-03 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-educational-architecture References: [v2com-newswire](https://www.v2com-newswire.com/en/newsroom/categories/institutional-architecture/press-kits/7737-01/school-center-of-davos-platz) & [cura-architekten.de](http://www.cura-architekten.de)  The School Center of Davos Platz project by CURA Architekten represents a thoughtful approach to sustainable educational architecture. The initiative successfully modernized a 1960s school building while preserving its original structure. Recognized with both the Polis Award and the 2025 Architizer Award in the '[Primary & High Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vida-elementary-school)' category, the project demonstrates how [existing buildings can be adapted](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gyngyszem) to meet contemporary needs without resorting to demolition. The sustainable educational architecture design was led by architects Otto Closs and Marc Ritz. A distinctive wooden 'U' structure envelopes the original building and reduces new construction volume by 40%. This move enhances functionality through expanded space and improved energy efficiency. Key sustainability elements in this project include LowTech ventilation system that utilizes skylights and an open atrium to facilitate natural airflow. The building also incorporates renewable energy solutions, such as an on-site photovoltaic system and geothermal heating, which collectively reduce CO₂ emissions. Image Credit: CURA Architekten ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 44% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sustainable Retrofit Design:** Innovative retrofit designs in educational architecture showcase the potential for modernizing existing structures while drastically reducing environmental impact. - **Lowtech Ventilation Systems:** Employing LowTech ventilation, such as natural airflow and skylights, highlights a cost-effective approach to enhance energy efficiency in building designs. - **Integration of Renewable Energy in Schools:** The seamless incorporation of renewable energy sources into educational facilities not only reduces operational CO₂ emissions but also serves as an educational tool for students. ### Where This Applies - **Educational Architecture:** Educational architecture is evolving with a strong emphasis on sustainability, offering opportunities for architects to innovate in reducing the carbon footprint of school buildings. - **Renewable Energy Solutions:** The renewable energy sector is being disrupted as more schools adopt photovoltaic and geothermal systems, paving the way for industry growth and broader accessibility. - **Construction and Retrofit Industry:** The construction and retrofit industry is increasingly focused on sustainable practices, driven by the demand for eco-friendly renovations of existing structures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nature-Promoting School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primary-school-1.md) - [Education Architecture Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-international-school.md) - [Sustainable Norwegian Timber Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oarvemtta-school.md) - [Pool Reinvention Campuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waltham-forest-college.md) - [Dome-Style School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/al-fanar.md) - [Nature-Integrated School Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wak-tok-architects.md) - [Rammed-Earth Preschool Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-dales-public-school.md) - [Culturally Rooted Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-flow-school.md) - [Inclusive Learning Campuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swan-hill-specialist-school.md)