Structural works begin at Gymnase Intercantonal de la Broye school (clients' press release)
Extension of the Gymnase Intercantonal de la Broye (GYB) secondary school in Payerne is proceeding well, with the major structural works of the building now underway. The project, which is funded by the cantons of Fribourg and Vaud, is a response to the rising number of inhabitants and dynamic growth of the Broye region. Special attention is being paid to integrating the terraced extension into the local area, as well as to the functionality of the building and improving access on foot or by bicycle. From the start of the 2021/2022 academic year, the school will be able to take 1,500 pupils.
The extension project, which will cost CHF 29 million, was presented in May 2019 and is being financed equally by the two cantons. GYB has grown steadily since it was opened in 2005, with the number of pupils rising from 850 to almost 1,200 by the start of the 2017/2018 academic year.
Therefore, 25 new multi-use classrooms are to be added, along with a new sports hall with direct access from outside the building. As well as meeting functional requirements, the extension will fulfil town planning, accessibility and mobility objectives, giving GYB the infrastructure needed to provide the quality of education expected by the two cantons.
Six months after the start of grading work, the site is passing a major milestone as the structural work of the building begins. The present complex was secured with micropiles prior to the start of work on the foundations. The site has been prepared for the new building and the terraced structure will take shape in the coming months.
The construction works – entrusted to total (design-and-build) contractor Steiner AG by the client – were carried out by a reduced number of workers in compliance with the regulations to combat coronavirus. However, good progress was made during the lockdown as there were no pupils on site.
The extension will be heated using renewable energy. To this end, 22 geothermal sensors have been installed to utilise heat from a depth of up to 250 metres below the ground. At the end of the construction phase, photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roof of the present building to boost use of renewable energy throughout the complex.
The contractor has scheduled the construction work to minimise noise and disruption to pupils. During this year’s summer holidays, some classrooms in the present building will be converted into dedicated biology, physics and chemistry laboratories.
Steiner AG is one of the leading project developers and general/total contractors (GC/TC) in Switzerland. It offers comprehensive services in the fields of new construction, refurbishment and real estate development. The company, which was established in 1915, has constructed more than 1500 residential construction projects, 540 commercial properties, 45 hotels and 200 infrastructure facilities such as universities, schools, hospitals, prisons and retirement homes. Steiner Ltd has its headquarters in Zurich and is represented by branches in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Tolochenaz and Lucerne.
Information for the media
Canton Fribourg, SBat, Charles Ducrot, Deputy Head of Department, + 41 (0)26 305 37 86
Canton Vaud, DGIP, Philippe Pont, General Manager, +41 (0)21 316 74 60
Steiner SA, Corporate Communications,+ 41 (0)58 445 20 00 , corpcom@steiner.ch
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The new extension will increase the capacity of the grammar school from 800 to 1,500 students.
