The Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM) has had an extension building since spring 2024. The new building is located on the northern edge of the existing university complex on Lärchenplatz and was designed by Kim Strebel Architektur. The aim was to create additional rooms that fit into the existing structure and respond both functionally and architecturally to the local conditions.
The EHSM is part of the Federal Office of Sport (BASPO), whose buildings are staggered on the steep terrain of Magglingen. The new structure is slightly offset to the north of the existing building and complements the linear sequence of buildings. Its positioning creates a clearly defined, south-facing square, while a functional access area with deliveries, bicycle parking and a side entrance is provided on the north side.
The new three-storey building adopts the setting of the main building, but is pushed slightly into the slope. This measure reduces the visible height and anchors the building more firmly in the topography. Access is provided on the middle floor via an open arcade that connects to the existing building. There are also ground-level entrances on the lower and upper floors.
The development across all three levels enables clear, vertical zoning: the offices are located on the top floor, while the two lower floors house group rooms, meeting rooms and lounges. The service rooms face the slope, while the main rooms face the valley. The organization follows a rational, two-flush floor plan with a central access core. This allows for a high degree of functional clarity and flexibility.
The new building provides 13 additional rooms. In addition to traditional group and meeting rooms, there is also a reading room, individual workstations and a copy room. The rooms offer views of the surroundings and benefit from the south-eastern orientation.
The structure is a solid construction. The bracing walls and ceilings are made of concrete, as are the stairwells. The façade is clad with rough-sawn vertical larch cladding, which varies in depth. The horizontal structure is formed by bands of windows running around each storey, interrupted by vertical slats. These serve as constructive sun protection.
The interior design is restrained and robust. Exposed concrete surfaces remain unclad, the floors are made of linoleum, the ceilings of perforated acoustic panels. The materials are designed for easy maintenance, durability and a restrained appearance. The building is constructed in accordance with the Minergie standard. The windows can be opened and the rooms are mechanically ventilated. The roof surface is extensively greened.
The building blends into the existing landscape structure. The minimally invasive approach to the topography reduces the need to shift the terrain. The access areas on the north side are designed to allow seepage. The outdoor space design is limited to simple, functional elements such as seating and bicycle parking areas. The proximity to the forest is used as a spatial and atmospheric quality without drifting into the pictorial.
The new building is a functional and architectural addition to the existing ensemble. The clear form, the restrained materialization and the logical internal structure are at the service of its use. Kim Strebel Architektur did not formulate a design gesture, but rather a response to the specific requirements of the location, task and operation.
The extension on Lärchenplatz is an example of a pragmatic, context-related educational building. No spectacular appearance, but careful integration – in scale, function and language.
Read also: The extension to the Elisabeth-von-Thadden School in Heidelberg.
