kindergarten solar-city linz

the motivation of the project is the combination of a child(daycare)-appropriate usability with the minimization of the building's energy consumption:
maximum compactness, zoning according to differing temperature requirements with the aim of maintaining the kindergarten’s functionality and child-appropriate architectural solutions:

transparency
clarity
good orientation
optimal natural lighting
short distances
small, identifiable areas
flexibility of the floor plan
“honesty” in material selection (no coverings or decorative claddings)
consideration of the child’s scale

all group rooms face south-southeast, towards the sun and the park by the water.
a key element of the project are the “winter gardens” in front of them. these buffer zones adapt to climatic conditions through openable exterior and/or interior “skins” and serve various purposes: they act as thermal buffers (heat traps) in winter, become extended play, painting and crafting spaces in the transitional seasons, and open terraces during the warmer months.
all group rooms can be connected to each other as needed via large sliding elements.

the less-heated rooms – movement room, quiet room, medical room etc. – are located on the north side and shield the group rooms from street noise.
circulation is defined together with the group and movement rooms as a flexible spatial continuum. there are no corridors – this zone is multifunctional and can also be used for evening events.
the kindergarten administration overlooks the entire interior area.
the upper floor is openly accessed, meaning with visual connection to the lower floor and the outside.

by slightly lowering the building into the ground (to reduce surface area), the upper floor level is brought closer to the natural environment.

access to nature is created for both floors directly from the group rooms through the cloakrooms, which are always located immediately along the way to the outdoors, with minimal walking distances.