Technical Secondary School for Health Professions in Ettelbrück
The Technical Secondary School for Health Professions is located in Ettelbrück and accommodates nearly 430 students in 16 classrooms and 6 clinical teaching rooms.
- Client
- Public Buildings Administration
- Partners
- FabeckArchitectes, Daedalus Engineering
- Project dates
- 2016 – 2019
- Gross floor area
- 8.400 m²
- Gross volume
- 35.800 m3
A positive-energy and sustainable building
Initiated by the Public Buildings Administration, the school includes an administration wing and a 200 m² multipurpose hall. It was designed according to “positive energy” building principles, while also integrating the concept of grey energy—the non-renewable primary energy required for its construction and eventual demolition. The building produces more energy than it consumes.
Hybrid ventilation and photovoltaic roof
Of particular note is the innovative hybrid ventilation system, which combines natural and mechanical ventilation. In addition, the entire roof is covered with photovoltaic panels. This 1,550 m² installation produces 211,500 kWh per year.
Durable and innovative materials
Certain features distinguish this project, such as the use of timber for the structural system and clay panels for interior partitions. To minimise grey energy, materials were carefully selected—for example, vibro-compacted stone columns were used for soil reinforcement instead of concrete piles, reducing environmental impact.
Energy performance and Minergie P-ECO certification
The building is equipped with high-performance IT systems, A+++ electronic devices, and optimised LED lighting. The envelope features thermal insulation up to 40 cm thick. Integrated into the south-east and south-west façades are 350 m² of flat solar collectors. These heat a seasonal storage tank in the stairwell—nearly 20 m high and 3.1 m in diameter, with a capacity of 91,000 litres—the largest of its kind in any functional building in Luxembourg. This system was specifically designed for the project and is fully aligned with the overall concept, earning the demanding “Minergie P-ECO” certification, which also ensures the use of ecological materials and bans harmful products.
Indoor comfort and heating solutions
Beyond sustainability, ecology, and energy efficiency, the design addressed natural lighting, acoustics, and indoor climate, tailored to the school’s needs. Two 15 kW heat pumps supplement the seasonal tank, recovering energy from the ventilation system. Water at about 28°C is distributed via an underfloor heating system in the multipurpose hall, foyer, and cafeteria.
Luxembourg’s largest timber building
The Technical Secondary School for Health Professions is the largest timber building in the Grand Duchy, both in terms of built surface area and height, representing a milestone in sustainable construction.
