For the reason of harmonising in with the cityscape the annexe was placed in the corner of Vesannontie and Nilsiänkatu streets. The five-storey main building dominates the surroundings. The annexe has been designed to harmonise with Taucher's monumental brick architecture and the surrounding school, industrial, and residential buildings.

The facades are of cor-ten steel, which takes six months to develop a characteristic brownish orange hue. The climate and corrosion resistance of cor-ten is based on the fine-grained, dense iron oxide that emerges on its surface. Iron oxide, or rust, is usually scale-like, which enables corrosion to penetrate through it into the object, eventually causing disruption. However, the density of cor-ten iron oxide prevents water and air from penetrating below the surface.

The colour of cor-ten changes according the weather, ranging from a dark iron red on rainy days to an orange in sunny weather. The dark matt surface matches well with the dark red brick and granite.

The building houses several large rooms such as the gym, two auditoria seating 200 and 80, cafeteria, and s drama classroom. Moreover, the building houses teachers' offices. The entrance hall is situated below the granite outdoor-auditorium and has direct access to the gym and the cafeteria. Auditorium Hanna and Auditorium Betty are both situated on the first floor, whereas the drama classroom is on the second. The large glass wall which opens towards the galleries creates a dialogue between the main building and the annexe, allowing Taucher's architecture a strong presence within the new building as well.

The main building and the annexe are connected by a tunnel, thus enabling functional and technical communication. The tunnel is articulated by a glass lantern which rises above the courtyard ground and functions as a conservatory. The frame of the building is of reinforced concrete, except for the steel frame of the gym.

MARKUS JA LEENA AALTONEN