HIBINOSEKKEI + youji no shiro displays gridded façade on hanazono kindergarten
photography by studio bauhaus, ryuji inoue

 

 

 

keeping to the local architectural styles of the miyakojima region- an island 2000km away from tokyo- this is where the hanazono kindergarten and nursery is located. designed by HIBINOSEKKEI and youji no shiro, the building has been characterized by its subtropical, oceanic climate as well as its surrounding context. immersing the children with the outdoors and encouraging creativity are two main elements underlined throughout the nursery. the ground floor, open, breazy and like a studio, is dedicated to art and simultaneously promotes comfortable ventilation. the kindergarten features courtyards and terraces allowing the children to integrating learning, playing and eating outside whenever it is possible.

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the kindergarten is located in a subtropical oceanic climate and is surrounded by blue sea and coral reef

 

 

 

externally, the color and material is chosen to reflect the traditional warm red tiles seen often in the local architecture. meanwhile, the overall structure is composed of steel and concrete to withstand potential typhoons and the interior features smooth timber surfaces, rooms with bright colors and chalkboard walls. the interesting grid nature of the tiled façade is interrupted by different sized square-shaped windows creating interesting shadows as well as giving the building a distinctive attribute. by offering plenty of light and open space for movement and activities, the architects have created a safe and playful kindergarten to enhance the learning and enjoyment for the children.

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the ground floor is open and adaptable allowing plenty of space for group activities

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an outdoor terrace enables the children to spread out and choose how they want to work

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although outdoors, the nursery is a safe space for the kids to roam around

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timber decked terrace

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the cafeteria

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indoor and outdoor group dining areas

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overlapping views

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the grid concrete façade promotes interesting shadows

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immersing the children with the outdoors and encouraging creativity are two main elements

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the exterior draws inspiration from the local architecture

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