The historic school complex Kern in Zurich-Aussersihl has undergone extensive conversion and repair work. The site, which was developed between 1902 and 1904, houses a school building with a separate gymnasium as well as generous open and development areas.

The school building consists of a basement, a ground floor and three upper floors. A wooden saddle/hipped roof construction forms the upper end of the building. The gymnasium building consists of a central middle section with a basement, a ground floor and two upper floors. The actual gymnasiums are connected on both sides of the central tract.

The structural measures primarily involved the restoration of the building in accordance with the earthquake requirements of the SIA code, as well as the demolition and reconstruction of individual building sections as a result of the new utilization concept. All interventions in the load-bearing structure were carried out with careful consideration of the historical building fabric and the preservation order of historical monuments. The static structure of the ceilings was made visible again, parts of the historic steel stone ceilings were replaced by reinforced concrete ceilings. A steel substructure was installed on the 4th floor of the school building for the installation of new ventilation units.

In addition, the renovation also included energy optimisation of the building envelope, replacement of the building services equipment and complete renewal of the interior fittings. New room layouts and connecting doors enable modern and flexible teaching.