Flagship project sets new standards for modern learning

Since the 2024/2025 school year, the Neckarbogen in Heilbronn has developed into a significant educational hub. The new Josef-Schwarz-Schule is one of Germany’s most ambitious school construction projects. The complex was designed by Behnisch Architekten and created with support from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation. As Germany’s largest new school building, it combines primary, secondary, and upper secondary levels on one campus for around 1,200 students. The architecture is characterized by three pavilion-like, terraced structures in sustainable timber-hybrid construction, arranged on a shared, elevated schoolyard level. Openly designed learning landscapes, plenty of daylight, and fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces define the building complex and support contemporary pedagogical concepts. From the start, the construction was geared toward high sustainability standards—with the clear goal of DGNB Platinum and Diamond certification. The nora rubber floorings installed across approximately 17,000 square meters make an important contribution to this.

Harmonious, natural interior design

The material and color concept is designed for durability and naturalness. Visible wood, robust surfaces, and bold color tones create a calm, high-quality learning environment that continues the architectural approach of openness and transparency inside. Against this backdrop, the choice was deliberately made for nora rubber floorings. “With its fine, natural granite chips, noraplan unita fits harmoniously into our design concept and works very well with the wooden surfaces used,” explains interior designer Anna-Lena Wörn from the responsible planning team.

Individual custom colors – functionally impressiveIn the circulation areas, walls, ceilings, and floors are kept in calm, natural nuances. The specially developed beige tones of the rubber floorings ensure a bright, friendly atmosphere in the spacious rooms. In addition, further custom colors were implemented for individual teaching areas, coordinated with the respective color concepts of the age groups. Color accents in purple or turquoise provide identity in the learning zones. “Our color requirements for the floors were implemented very well by nora,” says Wörn. Room acoustics also played a central role in the large, open areas. Thanks to their permanently elastic properties, the floor coverings significantly reduce walking and impact sound. At the same time, they impress with their robustness, durability, and ease of maintenance—advantages that facilitate daily school operations and conserve resources in the long term.