High school in Spain is one of the largest CLT buildings

A new high school establishment in Spain has caught the eye of many developers and architects. Serra de Noet Secondary School in Berga offers one of the best learning and working places with its eco-friendly design. With approximately 37,663 square feet of usable space, the all-wood school is designed to offer both exterior and interior comfort.

Designed by Fabregat & Fabregat Architects, the high school building is a Catalonia Government Project that was developed after a public competition among interested developers. The project started in 2016 and came to completion at the end of 2019. The school design stands out in various ways, from the choice of materials to the energy efficiency costs, make the school worth mentioning.

Related: French school is a model for clean-air learning environment

The school has three main volumes with the main volume containing three floors of classrooms and administration block. The other two volumes cater to auxiliary needs of the institution, including cafeteria, dressing rooms and gym. The designers purposely built an exterior playground at the center of the volumes for security and features a multisport track that provides room for the learners to develop their talents in all areas.

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Serra de Noet is one of the biggest wooden cross-laminated timber buildings (CLT) in its region. Each cubic meter of the structure works to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately two tons. The wood design also helps regulate the environment, making the living spaces comfortable for the students and improve academic achievements.

CLT structural panels were lined where it was necessary, including for thermic, acoustic and fire protection reasons. Other parts remained uncovered such as the Main Hall and parts of the roof’s interior. The designers used IBM technologies to ensure that every inch of the wooden panel on the building was designed to fit in place, minimizing material waste.

Serra de Noet has been awarded an Energy Certification Class A, which means that it is among the top-rated, energy-efficient buildings in the world.

+ Fabregat & Fabregat Arquitectes

Photography by Joan Guillamat