Kugelgarn^® for Schools as a Living Space

For the past two years, following a construction period of just two  years, pupils at the newly built primary and secondary school in Langweid am Lech have been learning in an environment that deliberately prioritises comfort and tranquillity. A central element of this concept  is the Kugelgarn^® flooring in the ‘Symphonie mergel’ finish. Christian Reckerth, in his fifth year as headteacher, talks in the following interview about decision-making processes, acoustics, suitability for everyday use – and why, in his view, the choice of flooring has proved its worth in every respect. 

Fabromont: Were you involved in the decision-making process regarding the design of the new school, particularly the flooring? What convinced you? 

Christian Reckerth: The architect discussed the issue of flooring with me at a very early  stage. We were faced with a fundamental decision: should we choose something with a homely character, or something where ease of maintenance and smooth surfaces were the main priorities? Fortunately, we very quickly agreed that we preferred the solution we have today. For us, school is not just a place of learning, but also a place where the  children spend many hours of their lives. That is why cosiness and an almost homely atmosphere were important to us. 

We were also closely involved in the colour scheme. There were colour samples where we had a say. We made sure that the interplay of colours harmonised with the other visible surfaces. Overall, we were very closely involved in the processes. After two years of use, I can say that, thank goodness, we didn’t let ourselves be dissuaded from this decision. The flooring stands up well to everyday use and doesn’t cause any problems whatsoever. 

Fabromont: What was particularly important to you personally when designing the new classrooms? 

Christian Reckerth: It was important to us that the school isn’t just functional but creates an atmosphere in which children feel at ease. The cosiness and the resulting homely feel were our main priorities. 

Fabromont: Have you noticed any changes in concentration or the learning atmosphere? 

Christian Reckerth: What everyone who enters this building for the first time notices immediately is the acoustics. Many trades contribute to this, but certainly also the floor, which absorbs sound and reflects it only to a small extent. This underlying calm actually carries over into the classrooms as well. There is no echo here, so there is no need to speak  loudly – a normal speaking volume is sufficient. This is the interplay of all the building elements: the floor, the acoustic elements on the ceilings and the wooden walls, which together create this pleasant  atmosphere. 

Fabromont: What happens if there are stains or damage? 

Christian Reckerth: In everyday school life, of course, the odd mishap happens. The first  one wasn’t long in coming. We very quickly purchased a standard wet vacuum cleaner, which still meets all requirements to this day. So far, there hasn’t been a single stain or accident that we haven’t been able to remove completely with it – without any residual or edge stains after drying. In the event of irreparable damage, the manufacturer advised us  that it is possible to cut out and replace individual sections. 

Fabromont: What is special about Kugelgarn^®? 

Christian Reckerth: The acoustics are particularly noteworthy, as already mentioned. It also creates a visually seamless, flush surface with no visible seams. I saw the panels being laid – once finished, no seams are visible. The result  is a flush surface, meaning even smaller elements can be replaced without any issues. I can’t think of a single room where, looking back, I would say we should have chosen a different floor there.