A façade that is a work of art

Sturdy, long-lasting and low-maintenance: these were the criteria for the new buildings at Christophorus school in Mülheim-Kärlich (Germany). Rockpanel boards met all these requirements. In addition, they had another big advantage: it was possible to engrave a superb work of art on them, without the need for any extra treatment.  

Tradition and future

The old school, which dated back to 1907, was no longer suitable for renovation and made way for a new school that is ready for the future. Although the building, finished with Rockpanel Metallics and Colours, has a modern appearance, there was still room for tradition. The façades now tell the story of Saint Christopher, after whom the school is named.

Relief artwork in the façade

The artwork that adorns the façades of the Christophorus school was designed by artist duo Elke Pfaffmann and Stefan Kindel. It depicts how Christophorus moved through the water bearing the Christ Child. Both the globe that the child is carrying and the illustration of the continents symbolise how Christophorus is bearing the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. As well as the Christian symbolism, the artwork also offers another interpretation: the child’s connection with the world and the future.

Ready for the future

The design was routed in to the façade boards (Rockpanel Metallics graphite grey, 10 mm, Durable) to a depth of 2 mm. This was done using a CNC machine. Initially the routed area was yellow in colour, but within a few weeks it turned a warm dark brown shade under the influence of the weather. Because the panel material is resistant to damp and unaffected by temperature, no special treatment was necessary after the cutting and routing. The panels are also dimensionally stable and very colourfast. As a result, not only can the current pupils benefit from this superb façade, but so can many future generations in Mülheim-Kärlich.