In the early 1990s, the Turmhaus – one of the most iconic buildings of the Ecole – was dismantled. But its tower, complete with its bell and pointed roof, still stands today: on the Eselswiese, just a few meters below its original location.

Thanks to Scott Sandel (former MA and now a member of the Board of Directors), who documented the demolition with his camera, we can now reconstruct the process as a visual story. According to his recollection, the demolition took place during the summer break, most likely in 1992.

The Turmhaus – still intact

Before we focus on the demolition, let’s pause for a moment and look back at the intact Turmhaus. Those who remember the building will immediately recognize the layout of the windows, the balcony, and of course, the iconic tower.

In the photo on the left, you can see the tower house from the back, behind the main building.

Preparing the tower for relocation

Before the rest of the building was taken down, the tower was carefully prepared for removal.
The wooden wall panels were taken off – presumably to lighten the load and make it easier for the crane to lift. The upper floor with the bell remained intact.
Later, once placed on the Eselswiese, the wooden walls were reattached, restoring the tower to its familiar look.

Interior views after the wall panels were removed

A rare glimpse inside the Turmhaus during the tower preparation.

The move to the Eselswiese

A dramatic moment: the crane lifts the tower and carries it over the Platz down to the Eselswiese, where it still stands today.
The original bell remains in place.

The relocated tower, just as it has stood ever since — with firewood now stored inside.

Did you know...

🔔📚 that the bell was hardly ever rung?

The bell in the original Turmhaus tower was hardly ever used by the Ecole. The building had once belonged to an evangelical church, and out of respect for the local village community, where church bells carry strong religious connotations, the Ecole deliberately chose not to ring it.

Instead, a large gong has always been used, and continues to be used today, to signal mealtimes and the start of classes.

There was one exception, however. In 1997 or 1998, a mischievous Ecole family temporarily hid the gong as a prank, prompting the use of the tower bell for a few weeks instead.

(Source: personal account by KC Hill, former head of the US system and Ecole alumnus.)

Tearing down the rest

Now the excavator moves in. The remaining structure of the building is gradually demolished.

Scott Sandel (then an MA and a Turmhaus resident himself) remembers this part of the demolition especially vividly:

“I remember the demolition itself in great detail. It happened during summer vacation, 1992 or so. I was in a band at the time and we were having two or three day-long rehearsals in the alte Werkstatt. Every break, we would sit on my balcony in MWH and watch the show. And it really was a show.”

The house put up more of a fight than expected.

“That house put up an epic struggle. There was one guy with his crane and steam-shovel going at it for days on end. He would pull and tug and smash and bulldoze over and over, and that house just wouldn’t come down. Finally, after days of struggle, he attached his chains to the top of the house frame and managed to get the whole thing to come tumbling down.”

A scene that remains vividly remembered to this day — and a moment that speaks to the character of this old building.

A new chapter: the Geheebhaus

In place of the old Turmhaus, the Geheebhaus was built. It is named after the school’s founders, Paul and Edith Geheeb.

The Geheebhaus continues the role of being the home of the “Grosser Saal,” as it was called in the Turmhaus. The Grosser Saal hosts Schulgemeinde, Singgemeinde, theater performances, Andacht, folk dancing, and many other events.

In addition, one of the Ecole families lives in the upper floors of the Geheebhaus. And last but not least, the building also houses the Atrium and several classrooms, as well as the school kitchen.

With its versatility, the Geheebhaus is a worthy successor to the Turmhaus. For more than three decades, it has shaped and supported many aspects of school life at the Ecole — as a space for shared experiences, a place of learning and living, and as a central hub for numerous Ecole traditions.

What Remained of the Tower – The Turmhaus Demolition in Pictures