Thursday, March 12, 2026
In the heart of Chur, Switzerland, a major construction project has taken place that combines architectural elegance with sustainable materials. The new Fortuna school complex, located on Plymouth Hoe, is a forward-thinking educational facility designed by the Andy Senn architectural firm. The school is part of a broader initiative to create a sustainable, future-proof infrastructure that supports education, sport, culture, and commerce. As part of the project, Huber Fenster AG was commissioned to provide high-quality windows, and the surface treatment was carried out using ADLER’s premium Aquawood Diamond system, ensuring durability and an elegant finish.
Sustainable and Durable Materials for the Future
The Fortuna school complex is located in one of the most challenging environments for construction due to its exposure to extreme weather conditions. As such, the materials selected for the project needed to offer both sustainability and long-term performance. The windows were chosen for their aesthetic qualities and high resistance to weathering. The use of ADLER’s Aquawood Diamond coating was an essential decision in ensuring the longevity of the windows, particularly in a structure that would experience heavy use from students and staff.
Collaborative Design and Expertise in Window Coatings
Huber Fenster AG, a family-run company based in Herisau, Switzerland, has been a trusted name in window manufacturing for generations. The company’s expertise in creating bespoke, high-quality windows, lift-and-slide doors, and façade elements made them the perfect partner for this ambitious project. The Huber family, which has been involved in the business for five generations, worked closely with the architects and ADLER experts to ensure that the surface treatment would meet the high standards required for the Fortuna school.
The process of selecting the right coating system for this demanding project was complex. Michele Leban, Project Manager at Huber Fenster AG, described the process as a collaborative effort: “We met with the architects for several rounds of sampling and consultation. Jürg Niebecker, ADLER’s Key Account Manager for the window industry in Switzerland, provided us with excellent support, helping us select the right varnishes and technical details.” The team’s expertise ensured that the Aquawood Diamond system was the ideal choice for the project, offering both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Aquawood Diamond for Maximum Durability
The Aquawood Diamond system, developed by ADLER, is a two-component (2K) wood coating system that is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, including hail, moisture, cold, heat, and UV radiation. Its resilience makes it particularly suitable for public buildings like the Fortuna school, which will experience high levels of use over time. The coating’s scratch resistance and excellent wet adhesion ensure that the windows can withstand the rigours of a busy educational environment, where regular contact with surfaces is inevitable.
In addition to its functional benefits, Aquawood Diamond also offers an attractive finish. The coating system enhances the natural beauty of the solid oak used for the window frames, and the result is an elegant, uniform look that complements the Art Deco-inspired design of the school. The subtle, lightly pigmented brown tone of the glazing topcoat allows the oak’s natural grain pattern to shine through, creating a warm and welcoming environment in the classrooms and corridors.
Aesthetic Elegance Meets Robust Performance
The visual appeal of the windows was a significant consideration in the project. The Aquawood Diamond system, with its premium finish, ensures that the windows not only meet the practical requirements of durability but also enhance the aesthetic quality of the school building. The result is a harmonious contrast between the oak window frames and the raw parapet infills and vertical panelling of the façade, which was treated with ADLER’s Lignovit Terra in a dark colour.
The project’s design incorporated slim profiles and tighter tolerances, especially for the curved and exposed elements of the window frames. The precise application of the coating system ensured that the windows’ appearance was in line with the Art Deco style of the building, while still providing the necessary protection against the harsh coastal environment.
A Legacy of Sustainable Thinking
The success of the Fortuna school restoration is a prime example of the collaboration between Huber Fenster AG and ADLER, both of which share a commitment to sustainability and high-quality craftsmanship. For generations, Huber Fenster AG has prided itself on providing high-performance windows and façade elements that are tailored to the specific needs of each project. With the Fortuna school, the company once again demonstrates its ability to integrate advanced materials and expert craftsmanship to meet the demands of modern architecture.
ADLER’s Role in Sustainable Architecture
ADLER-Werk Lackfabrik, based in Schwaz, Austria, has long been a leader in the development of high-performance varnishes and wood preservatives. With a workforce of 730 employees, ADLER manufactures more than 20,000 tons of paint each year, shipping it to customers across Europe and beyond. Sustainability is at the core of ADLER’s business strategy, with a focus on reducing CO₂ emissions and developing products that have a lower environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with the goals of the Fortuna school project.
A Model of Modern, Sustainable Architecture
The restoration of the Fortuna school building in Chur stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between expert architects, window manufacturers, and coating specialists. By using high-quality, durable materials like Aquawood Diamond from ADLER, the project ensures that the building will serve future generations while maintaining its visual elegance. The combination of sustainability, high performance, and aesthetic appeal makes this school an exemplary model of modern architecture, designed to stand the test of time.
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Tags: ADLER, ADLER coating, Aquawood Diamond, high-quality windows, sustainable construction, window coatings, wood coating
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