Queens Award

Case Study

International School Rheintal Switzerland


International School Rheintal (ISR) is a private, non-profit co-educational day school in Buchs, Switzerland, offering education to students aged 3 to 18. Renowned for its supportive, multicultural community and small class sizes, ISR emphasises personalised, inquiry-based learning to prepare students for a globalised world while nurturing lifelong learners.

In summer 2023, ISR moved to its new, ecologically sustainable campus, specifically designed for ISR’s learning and teaching needs. The three-storey building, created by Zurich-based architects Kämpfen Zinke + Partner AG, reflects ISR’s vision for world-class international education while promoting environmental responsibility. The stunning interiors were designed by SpaceOasis and designer James Clarke, ensuring consistency with the school’s overall aesthetic.

The modern campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including three science labs and a prep room. The client envisioned each lab having a unique layout and feel, and S+B delivered on this vision by creating specialised environments for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

In the Chemistry lab, dedicated zones were created for practical experiments and theoretical work. This was achieved this by placing fixed benching and an Ecoline ducted fume cupboard at the back of the lab, and incorporating flexible, movable tables at the front.

The Biology lab features fixed Crescent-shaped benching with integrated storage, gas, and electrical services. In contrast, the physics lab prioritises flexibility, with movable tables and overhead services allowing for quick reconfiguration, enabling the entire floor to be cleared for different activities as needed.

Each lab incorporates a SpaceSaver storage wall with integrated TVs, while the biology and chemistry labs are further equipped with dedicated teacher demonstration desks, ensuring functionality  in these inspiring educational spaces.

This project aligns perfectly with S+B UK’s focus on sustainability and our commitment to using ecological materials in our projects.