Architect：BDG Architecten

Location：Utrecht, Netherlands; | ;View Map

Project Year：2023

Category：Nurseries

Leeuwesteyn is a new sustainable residential area in Utrecht with an urban character and recognizable architecture with elements from Art Deco. These properties come together in the design for the child center in the district, which has been realized in a wide connecting strip between the Willem Alexander Park and the Amsterdam Rhine Canal. On the side of the park, which was built on top of the A2 tunnel, the plot has a height difference of almost four meters, resulting in two ground levels. BDG Architecten used this fact in a stepped design with clear entrances on both levels. The height differences continues in the mass of the building itself, which gives the child center a strong and diverse appearance.

The vision of learning and development in a continuous line from 0 to 13 years is the starting point of the design in which mutual connection and collaboration are central. The environment invites you to learn through play, research together and discover for yourself. The building has clear zoning per user, but also a strong mutual relationship. Both through the ascending landscape of the lower, middle and upper grades and the dual use of spaces by school, daycare center and out-of-school care. Such as the large gym, the playrooms that are also theater rooms or one of the studios such as the art studio, technology studio or cooking studio with vegetable garden. The playful grandstand stairs connect the heart with the upper layers, where voids and sight lines provide a strong visual relationship between the different domains.

Large windows bring a lot of natural light deep into the building and ensure a connection with the outside throughout the child center. Conversely, the large windows literally show the environment what moves the school. In addition to a visual relationship, the design also provides a physical connection with the outside on all floors. The schoolyard with natural play elements, partly green and unpaved for optimal water management and biodiversity, encourages creative sports and outdoor play. The design of the outdoor space also fits seamlessly with the sustainable and educational vision of the child center. To encourage bicycle use, the child center has a spacious bicycle shed. This is placed out of sight but very accessible from the square under the childcare domain. Adjacent to the childcare groups and on top of the bicycle shed is a green roof terrace where the little ones can play outside safely. All technical installations have been installed out of sight for local residents. The roof is optimally equipped with solar panels.

The child center is a friendly and warm building. The continuous facade materialization and openings across the various program components reinforce the integral character. The facade layout has a strong grid of natural tones of masonry, within which the openings are alternately filled with glass and perforated aluminum panels with a pattern derived from the logo of the child center. Due to the layering, the sturdy corners and the natural appearance, the design is in perfect harmony with both the character of the neighborhood and the adjacent Willem Alexander Park.

Architect: BDG Architecten

Photography: Gerard van Beek Fotografie, Lucas van der Wee, Norbert Waalboer Fotografie

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