a cluster of terracotta-tiled pyramidal houses envelopes kindergarten in italy

Kinder Rain: a kindergarten shaped like a small village

Located within a green setting in Italy, Kinder Rain by AACM – Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi is conceived as a kindergarten structured around a series of pyramidal volumes arranged as a small architectural ensemble. The project reinterprets the spatial logic of a village, organizing classrooms around open courtyards that function as transitional and collective spaces.

The design draws from the archetype of the Casone Veneto, the vernacular rural dwelling traditionally used by farmers and fishermen in the Veneto region. Its distinctive pitched roof form informs the geometry of the kindergarten’s three classrooms, which emerge as articulated volumes within a continuous terracotta envelope. The exterior materiality references clay construction and tiled roofing, connecting the building to regional building traditions.

At the base, a pigmented concrete bench traces the perimeter of the structure. This element mediates between architecture and landscape, operating simultaneously as seating, threshold, and informal gathering space. It establishes a gradual transition between interior learning environments and exterior play areas.

all images by Alex Shoots Buildings

AACM’s design employs an interplay of solids and voids

Although the building presents a compact appearance, its spatial organization is defined by a calibrated relationship between solids and voids. Each classroom extends outward into a protected outdoor patio, creating semi-enclosed spaces for open-air learning. Inwardly, the classrooms orient toward a central shared space conceived as an internal agorà. This collective zone supports informal interaction and visual continuity across the plan.

Sightlines connect classrooms, patios, and the surrounding garden, reinforcing spatial permeability. A zenithal skylight introduces natural light from above, marking the passage of time across the textured wooden ceiling. The ceiling material recalls traditional thatched constructions while translating them into a contemporary architectural language.

Through its volumetric composition, material references, and integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, Kinder Rain by studio AACM – Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi establishes a dialogue between vernacular precedents and current educational models. The project operates as a constructed landscape that combines regional memory with contemporary spatial organization.

Kinder Rain is organized as a cluster of pyramidal volumes set within a green landscape in Italy

the kindergarten is conceived as a small architectural village structured around open courtyards

three pitched volumes define the classrooms within a continuous terracotta envelope

terracotta surfaces reference regional clay construction and tiled roofs

the building’s geometry echoes vernacular rural forms through simplified pyramidal profiles

open courtyards function as transitional and collective learning spaces

outdoor patios extend each classroom into protected open-air environments

a pigmented concrete bench traces the base of the structure

the perimeter bench acts as seating, threshold, and informal gathering element

a zenithal skylight introduces controlled daylight from above

the textured wood ceiling references traditional thatched roof construction

project info:

name: Kinder Rain

architect: AACM – Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi | @aacm_studio

location: via Ragazzi del ‘99, Piove di Sacco (PD), Italy

area: 672 sqm

lead architects: Arch. Ing. Rodolfo Morandi, Arch. Nicolò Chinello

partner in charge: Arch. Ing. Rodolfo Morandi

design team: AACM – Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi Arch. Nicolò Chinello, Arch. Francesco Deiro, Arch. Filippo Fradellin, Arch. Karla Car, Arch. Eleonora Zanirato, Dott. Giacomo Schiavon, Dott. Giulia Raccamari, Dott. Tommaso Nicoli

structural engineering: BUROMILAN (Milan Ingegneria S.p.a.)

MEP: Studio Associato Periti Industriali Albiero & Luise

safety coordinator: CSP – Arch. Massimo Carta Mantiglia Pasini CSE – Ing. Giulio Cibola

D.L.: AACM – Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi Arch. Ing. Rodolfo Morandi

testing and inspections: Ing. Francesca Saltarin

contracting authority: Città di Piove di Sacco

head of department: Geom. Freddy Sambin

RUP: Ing. Giulia Da Re, Geom. Freddy Sambin (Responsible for the Procedure)

technical support unit: Ing. Laura Coccato

mayor: Lucia Pizzo (since June 2023), Davide Gianella (until June 2023)

general contractor: Cooperativa Meolese Soc. Coop.

mechanical, electrical and plumbing: Fitekno impianti srl

window, doors, and metal details: Marinello group srl

lighting: Nobile illuminazione

structural concrete and external pavings in draining concrete: Superbeton srl

wooden structures: Zoppelletto srl

brick facade: Fornace Sant’Anselmo srl

concrete prefab. facade elements: Pellizzari Prefabbricati srl

plaster and false ceiling: Colve srl

skylights: Velux

wooden false ceiling: Celenit

drawings: AACM

mock-ups: Fornace Sant’Anselmo srl

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom