Kindergarten Niederolang

Boundaries and fences determine the village structure. The clear spatial margins divide the village into private and public spaces. Meanwhile, the architectural intervention of the kindergarten alludes to the theme of different boundary intensities and continues it further as a multi-layered circumferential wall. There is a successful contextual interweaving of elements that are typical of the location.

  The unity of building and kindergarten yard is embedded in the traditional context and imparts to the kindergarten the architectural conditions for nest security, as well as for freedom. As a compact edifice this is located on the northern boundary of the property, endowing space for a sunny garden. The free space for children is optically and functionally separated from the road by the surrounding building structure.

The wall alternates between concepts of materiality and volume, thus it changes from garden fence to boundary wall for the building, as an interpretation of what already exists as it is a further elaboration of the existing plot. The wall on the kindergarten yard side is completely made of wood and in a friendly gesture embraces the children’s garden.

Uniform materiality conveys simplicity. Rendered masonry and wood in the innards of the kindergarten create feelings of identity and belonging. A subtle and warm atmosphere is generated within the interiors thanks to the complex treatment of the local timber.

Kindergarten Niederolang, Valdaora di Sotto, Italy
Architects: feld72
Design team: Marino Fei, Carl Friedrich, David Kovařík, Therese Leick, Gerhard Mair, Edoardo Nobili
Engineering: Ingenieurteam Bergmeister
Area: 950 sqm
Completion: 2016