The two-storey structure is finished with refined wood detailing by Innauer Matt Architekten in a delicate architectural language. The local wood surfaces are completed with metal window frames. The compact kindergarten volume conceals a multi-layered inner world.
The first level is made from stiffening reinforced concrete core walls. On top of that a prefabricated timber construction of prefabricated wall and ceiling elements.
The building was built as a mixed construction of wood and concrete, which can meet today's energetic and ecological requirements, especially regarding sustainability. A basic structure of stiffening core walls is supplemented by prefabricated wall and ceiling elements made of wood.
The use of high-quality, ecological, and regionally available materials, energy-efficient building technology systems, and the use of renewable energy, protect nature and the environment, making a positive contribution to sustainability.
""It is not the child who should adapt to the environment, but we should adapt the environment to the child." This quote by Maria Montessori came to my mind when I entered the new premises for the first time. The rooms are bright, homely, friendly and lovingly designed. They offer opportunities for action, experimentation and discovery. Clear structures and order help the child to find its way around the room and to become active on its own. This is a prerequisite for development and learning."
- Ingrid-Hämmerle Golz, Kindergarten Director
Through large triple glazed windows the building opens up from the outside in and the inside out. Weather-protected play terraces form a transition space on the ground in between the classroom and the outside playground. On the upper floors terraces allow children to step outside. Each classroom is consistently orientated towards the southeast for optimal exposure.
A simple and straightforward organization of a polished concrete corridor through the middle facilitates easy orientation to the different classrooms. In daycare terms the traffic area is divided into movement space and communication zones. The upper floor is connected via three staircases.
"At the beginning of the planning process, therefore, there was a comprehensive analysis of the building task and the exact formulation of the project goals with the participation of all those significantly involved. It is undisputed that the quality of educational buildings reflects the esteem in which a society holds education. For the client and the project team, it was therefore a central concern to build a kindergarten as a place of encounter, taking into account the criteria of economy, practicality and beauty, where children can grow together, experience beauty, develop a sense of community and unfold creativity."
- Eugen Amann, Building Authority of the Municipality of Lustenau
The warm wooden interiors intend to give a homey feel to the group rooms. Carefully chosen color accents direct children to certain functional elements. The spruce walls, grey wood wool ceiling panels and solid brown ash plank flooring give a calm and serene vibe to the space.
A combination of high quality ecological and regionally available material selection, energy-efficient building technologies, and the use of renewable energy, result in a positive contribution to sustainability.
