The main point of departure for the design of the kindergarten is the maximum preservation of greenery and the design of a compact, minimum-volume building, which occupies as little of the available plot as possible in terms of floor plan and thus develops vertically up to a height of B+GF+1. The building is designed with rationality, functionality, and sustainability in mind, but also to establish a new visual identity of the kindergarten, reminiscent of a series of wooden houses raised between mighty treetops.

 

The kindergarten is divided into five legible zones:​

1. Rear, northern lane with a delivery ramp that leads to the basement with kindergarten kitchen, shelter, parking, separate access for visitors and employees on the ground floor, and the administrative premises on the first floor;​

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2. Vertical atrium - a "climbing area" located above the import ramp and connected to the main entrance, visually connects two larger, common spaces - a multipurpose space to the East and a conference room to the West on the 1st floor. There is a transition from the vertical atrium to the exterior children's playground under the hall;​

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3. Internal service lane, where the main and secondary entrances to the facility, central staircase, elevator, restrooms for employees and visitors, and elevators to the kitchen are located;​

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4. Zone of the 1st and 2nd age groups playrooms on the ground floor and upper floor with sliding walls, which can be connected into two or one larger room. The side playrooms are additionally illuminated from SE and SW;

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5. A strip of outdoor terraces and balconies, which act as an extension of the playrooms for outdoor play (under and between the canopies - the atmosphere for play thus changes between the first and second age groups). 

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Location: Kranj, Slovenia

Project date: 2022

Site area: 4.627 m2

Building area: 1.332 m2

Total floor area: 2.592 m2

Type: Educational

Client: MIZŠ, Slovene Ministry of Education Science and Sport

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Authors: SVET VMES, Ltd: Jure Hrovat, mia; Ana Kreč, mia; Dorian Vujnović, mia; Marko Kavčič, mia

Collaborator: Amadej Mravlak, student​

 

Award: 2nd prize at the Open, Public, Anonymous, Architectural Competition

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