Architecture

Kindergarten makes more space for play with rooftop terrace

Kindergarten makes more space for play with rooftop terrace
Kindergarten was recently nominated, alongside 382 other projects, for the EU Mies van der Rohe Award 2019
Kindergarten was recently nominated, alongside 382 other projects, for the EU Mies van der Rohe Award 2019
View 12 Images
Kindergarten was recently nominated, alongside 382 other projects, for the EU Mies van der Rohe Award 2019
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Kindergarten was recently nominated, alongside 382 other projects, for the EU Mies van der Rohe Award 2019
Structurally, Kindergarten consists of reinforced concrete walls clad in timber panels
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Structurally, Kindergarten consists of reinforced concrete walls clad in timber panels
Kindergarten has a total floorspace of 1,060 sq m (11,409 sq ft)
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Kindergarten has a total floorspace of 1,060 sq m (11,409 sq ft)
The impetus for Kindergarten's design comes from the relatively awkward, almost triangular plot of land that Biuro Toprojekt had to work with
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The impetus for Kindergarten's design comes from the relatively awkward, almost triangular plot of land that Biuro Toprojekt had to work with
A staircase leads up to Kindergarten's roof
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A staircase leads up to Kindergarten's roof
Kindergarten's green roof is planted with ornamental grasses
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Kindergarten's green roof is planted with ornamental grasses
Kindergarten is well insulated with mineral wool and kept at a comfortable temperature with energy-efficient heat exchanger and heating systems
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Kindergarten is well insulated with mineral wool and kept at a comfortable temperature with energy-efficient heat exchanger and heating systems
A staircase leads up to Kindergarten's roof
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A staircase leads up to Kindergarten's roof
Kindergarten's atrium provides access to the rooftop terrace
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Kindergarten's atrium provides access to the rooftop terrace
Kindergarten has a total floorspace of 1,060 sq m (11,409 sq ft)
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Kindergarten has a total floorspace of 1,060 sq m (11,409 sq ft)
The perimeter of Kindergarten has had new trees planted that will shade the play area once they grow large enough
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The perimeter of Kindergarten has had new trees planted that will shade the play area once they grow large enough
Kindergarten is located in the Kleszczówka district in the suburbs of Żory, Poland
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Kindergarten is located in the Kleszczówka district in the suburbs of Żory, Poland
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Polish firm Biuro Toprojekt's aptly-named Kindergarten makes good use of an awkward plot. Bringing to mind Vo Trong Nghia's Farming Kindergarten, the building offers additional space for the kids to run around outside with a play area on its roof.

The impetus for Kindergarten's design comes from the roughly triangular plot of land that Biuro Toprojekt had to work with in the Kleszczówka district in the suburbs of Żory, Poland. The building fills almost the entire plot, meaning that there's not that much space left over on the ground for the children to play.

Structurally, the building consists of reinforced concrete walls clad in timber panels that are designed to show signs of aging as time passes (as opposed to retaining brand new looks throughout their lifetime). Its interior has a total floorspace of 1,060 sq m (11,409 sq ft), spread over a single floor and arranged around a large rectangular atrium that allows light inside. The atrium also provides access, via steel staircase, to the rooftop terrace.

This includes a play space with tracks to encourage kids to run around (fencing is installed to keep them safe), plus a green roof area.

Kindergarten is well insulated with mineral wool and kept at a comfortable temperature with energy-efficient heat exchanger and heating systems. The perimeter of the building also has new trees planted that will shade the play area once they grow tall enough.

The building was completed in late 2017 but landscaping work is still being carried out. It was also recently nominated, alongside 382 other projects, for the EU Mies van der Rohe Award 2019.

Source: Biuro Toprojekt

View gallery - 12 images
1 comment
1 comment
Mats Wahlberg
This is an idea by pros…
It has already been tested in Sweden with a panel consisting of Professional people and children. The pros were very positive until the kids had commented on it all. How do you intend to prevent us from climbing over the fence? Will you put us in jail?
Solution – Always build parks near residential areas. In Stockholm, it is a rule that there should always be a park within 300 m from the home. /Mats Wahlberg