DGNB-certified modular construction

JYTAS has delivered a nursery to Ballerup Municipality – a 2,110 m² two-storey facility. The building has been awarded DGNB-Gold certification with the ‘Heart’ rating.

The building accommodates 160 children and staff, divided into five nursery groups and five crèche groups, and functions as an open, functional and flexible daycare centre that fosters a culture where curiosity, creativity and innovation are central.

The multi-purpose hall is ideal for rough-and-tumble play, whilst the numerous group rooms are perfect for a variety of creative activities and can also be used as dining areas. A large communal area serves as a circulation corridor and will feature a large staircase with a built-in playhouse, which can serve as a gathering place and a space where children can play across groups and age variations.

The façades are clad with attractive vertical and horizontal wooden slats in Thermowood from Frøslev, which both create a beautiful dynamic effect on the façade and harmonise with the green surroundings. Furthermore, staggered façades create both depth in the building and an exciting and attractive architectural expression. To protect the ventilated timber façade, a bespoke fire protection solution from Constructia ApS has been implemented.

On the roof of Troldebo, both solar panels and a sedum roof have been installed, contributing to the green transition. Sedum roofs are characterised by the fact that they are practical, as they absorb 50% of the rainwater that falls on the roof, whilst also providing thermal and sound insulation and offering high fire resistance. Furthermore, sedum roofs contribute to biodiversity and create habitats for insects and birds.

The outdoor areas can engage the children in many different ways, engaging all their senses. The Tarzan course encourages balance games, and a combination of tables at different heights with taps and water tunnels offers a variety of water activities.

Furthermore, rhythm games can be created using musical panels, and the children can take a well-deserved rest in the hammocks. Furthermore, a fire pit hut allows children to spend time outdoors all year round, and sun shades have been installed in various locations – a practical and smart solution where children and staff can seek shade on a hot summer’s day or shelter on a rainy day.

A children’s universe

The certification for Børnehuset Troldebo comprises strict requirements regarding its environmental impact, and the indoor climate within the facility is given high weighting in the overall assessment. In addition, social sustainability and the use of the building outside normal opening hours are emphasised, as a community centre can be used by the local area outside the institution’s opening hours.

In DGNB certification, life cycle assessments (LCA) are applied as early as the initial phases, serving as a guiding tool in assessing the overall building’s environmental impact and total cost of ownership.

This enables us to establish a solid foundation for making critical decisions regarding design, materials, processes and indoor conditions.

The users of our buildings are important to us, and the focus is on both children and staff. With DGNB, we ensure that the indoor climate in the building is excellent, that the interior design is well thought-out, and that everyone thrives in their daily lives.

The DGNB Heart is a certification that creates value and demonstrates an extra commitment to the well-being of users. At Børnehuset Troldebo, health and well-being are central to the building’s design and construction, with an extended focus on air quality, acoustics, the visual environment, the thermal indoor climate and architectural value.

The educational manager from Børnehuset Troldebo, Ramus Christiansen, says:

“We are really delighted to have moved into our new building! The building has been designed with good soundproofing, which enhances the indoor environment – we particularly notice the good soundproofing around our staircase in the common room.

Our large, bright communal area has already provided the setting for group singing for all the children and adults at Troldebo, visits from the mayor, staff meetings and plenty of play. The large climbing tower is a big hit with the children, and it is often used to get from one floor to another. We often hear parents say, ‘one last play, then we’re off home’, when they collect their children in the afternoon.

The building has been designed with consistent materials and colours both inside and out, creating a sense of cohesion. The many wooden façades provide a natural and calm environment, benefiting both children and adults.

In all our group rooms, the window recesses are used for play in many ways, or simply as a place to take a short break.

We are delighted with the many interior windows, which provide visual contact throughout the building, including between the nursery and the kindergarten. The windows make a large building feel a little smaller, as we can see one another.

The many educational workshops support us in working with smaller groups of children, where there can be a sense of presence and calm for deep concentration.

The children have already taken to our multi-purpose hall, where there are many opportunities for motor development.

The ceiling swings, in particular, are used extensively. The multi-purpose hall also offers a visual connection to the playground, meaning that the green surroundings outside are brought into the building. The multi-purpose hall is used by both nursery and kindergarten children."