Journal: Childcare centre in Völklingen
»An overly colourful and playful architecture with triangular windows and pointed towers is not what children need. Rather, they require flexible buildings that leave open many possibilities but none-the-less provide a certain logic and clarity.« This is how the architects, arus, describe their design approach to the new childcare centre in Völklingen in the Saar area of Germany. This is the first kindergarten in the region to be built from massive timber and to the Passive House Standard. It is located in a heterogeneous environment consisting of single and multi-family homes, as well as industrial buildings and a hospital. The new-build is a double-storey, free-standing structure. It has a rectangular plan, with balconies that encircle all four sides of the upper floor and is clad in timber that is glazed in grey and brown hues. The ochre-coloured doors and ventilation flaps next to the windows add small, colourful accents.
