Classrooms that work in summer too
Heat and poor air impair concentration, well-being and teaching. Riotherm combines efficient room cooling with needs-based air exchange – quietly, integrated architecturally and with as little technical infrastructure as possible. For new builds, renovations and temporary school buildings.
Too warm to learn, too little air to concentrate
Heat days are becoming more frequent – and many school buildings are not designed for them. The LCH recommends an upper limit of 26 °C for regular teaching. At the same time it refers to a study by the Federal Office of Public Health according to which ventilation is inadequate in two thirds of the Swiss classrooms examined.
A good indoor climate therefore needs more than a single measure. Shading, thermal mass and night cooling remain important. Where they are not sufficient, temperature and air quality have to be solved together. That is precisely what Riotherm’s modular structure is designed for.
- 26 °C
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The upper limit recommended by the Swiss teachers’ umbrella association (LCH) for regular teaching is 26 degrees Celsius.
- 2/3
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According to the cited study by the Federal Office of Public Health, around 2/3 of all classrooms in Switzerland are inadequately ventilated.
- 15'
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In a standard classroom with 24 pupils, the CO₂ level rises above the critical threshold of 1,400 ppm after just 15 to 25 minutes without ventilation.
Passive before active – Active when necessary
A good school building first keeps the heat out and uses the building’s own capabilities. Where these alone are no longer enough, Riotherm adds targeted support. Active cooling thus does not become the opposite of sustainable building, but the final building block of a good overall concept.
Limit external heat
Shading, planting, building envelope
Use thermal mass
Use building components as a thermal buffer
Use night-time coolness
Night cooling, where available
Ventilate as needed
Riotherm Strata
Active temperature control
Riotherm Convec; Adia optional
Three tasks, one coordinated indoor climate
Depending on the building, Riotherm combines the appropriate operating principles. The products are not presented as individual devices but as building blocks of a system matched to the space, its use and the building services.
Riotherm Convec – bringing rooms to temperature
Water-based units heat and cool quietly, without draughts and with system temperatures close to the room. Can be integrated into the sill, wall or floor.
Riotherm Strata – exchanging air as needed
Fresh air reaches the rooms via centrally ventilated corridors. Transfer fans and CO₂ control enable needs-based air exchange without horizontal ventilation ducts on the floors.
Riotherm Adia – generating cooling efficiently
Evaporative cooling instead of a refrigerant circuit with a compressor. That reduces electricity demand and complements Convec with a particularly lean form of cooling generation.
For new builds, renovations and temporary buildings
Coordinated with the architecture and structure from the outset. Fewer ventilation ducts create free ceilings and reduce technical infrastructure.
Ideal where installation space is tight. Can be delivered in phases and room by room – right through to renovation during ongoing operation.
Temperature control and air exchange with little space required. Suitable for lightweight modular construction and transportable if the location changes.
For classrooms that work in summer too
Discuss your project now
Christoph Diem, Head of Climate Technology
