Jäkälä Daycare Centre is located in Tapanila, northeastern Helsinki. The building responds to the growing need for early childhood education facilities in a rapidly developing residential area. The project provides a safe and inspiring early learning environment for up to 240 children.

The two-storey building is carefully integrated to the topography of the plot and the small-scale character of the surrounding neighborhood. Wood-clad façades give the building a welcoming and warm expression. The massing is articulated to break down the overall scale, creating a child-friendly atmosphere while ensuring efficient organization of the interior spaces.

The spatial layout is based on flexibility and day-to-day functionality. Daycare group spaces are organized into clearly defined home areas, supported by shared spaces that encourage interaction, creativity, and adaptable use. Sightlines, natural light, and spatial clarity play a key role in creating spaces that feel calm, legible, and safe for children of different ages. The youngest groups are located primarily on the ground floor, while older children and pre-school spaces are housed upstairs.

Outdoor learning and play are central to the concept. The generous playground wraps around the building and is divided into zones suitable for different age groups. The yard design encourages exploration, physical activity, and contact with nature throughout the seasons. Existing vegetation was retained where possible.

The project was designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability: the building is heated mainly by ground-source heat, complemented by rooftop photovoltaic panels, and designed with energy efficiency and long-term durability in mind. In addition to serving daily daycare functions, select shared spaces can be used by the local community outside daycare hours, strengthening the building’s role as part of the neighbourhood’s social infrastructure.