Liebfrauen School, Ratingen

The school building's exterior alone is impressive due to its T-shaped floor plan: with its massive hipped roof and three striking towers — an octagonal central bell tower and two smaller corner towers known as ridge turrets — the Liebfrauenschule in Ratingen is a remarkable sight. As part of the energy renovation, the roof space, as well as all the second-floor classrooms and corridors, were remodelled. The previously unused attic space, which covers more than 1,200 square metres, was to be converted into a music hall, a central section with a gallery and a chapel. These comprehensive renovation measures presented numerous challenges for the drywall professionals at Kratz Innenausbau GmbH. For instance, they installed light coves in the chapel and a large ceiling canopy in the music hall. Additionally, climate control units were integrated into the kneewalls beneath the large dormer windows. All construction work took place during ongoing school operations and met high standards for thermal, acoustic and fire safety. For instance, an F90 fire protection ceiling was installed beneath the existing wooden ceiling on the second floor. Innovative fire protection details were developed and implemented at many other locations, such as in the area of escape routes.