Kindergarten in Berlin by Winkens Architekten

11 November 2011

A linear, single-story brick building on the outskirts of Berlin, surrounded by any number of tall trees – the new researchers' kindergarten called „Apfelbäumchen" or Little Apple Tree offers kids much space to grow their talents. The objective of the institution is to familiarize pre-school kids with the natural sciences and technology in a playful way. The architecture was expected to respond to the teaching concept in an appropriate way. According to the planners at Winkens Architekten the "plain and clear volume of the building was to blend harmoniously with the local setting. The rooms are simple and restrained, thus affording the children a place where they can play leisurely."

The bright, light-suffused rooms are made primarily using natural materials. The ceiling is clad with natural wood wool panels made by Heraklith, which deliver great acoustics thanks to the open-pored texture. For the floor, the architects chose linoleum "Marmorette" covering by Armstrong DLW. The facing masonry is made of "Gent FU" clinker bricks manufactured by Hagemeister. The façade is clad in untreated wooden panels. The floor-to-ceiling wooden-frame windows mean you can enter and exit the building without any thresholds in the way.

www.winkens.de

Architecture, Armstrong Articles, Armstrong Products, Interior, reference