This project is an interior project to renovate a warehouse into a nursery school located in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. A nursing home is located next to the building, and the old factory of the Guangzhou Paper Mills is nearby, giving the place a full atmosphere of the old town. The building was one-story with a gable roof, high ceilings, and skylights. While respecting the client’s request for a loft extension to take advantage of the high ceiling height, we proposed the concept of “sunlight pouring into daily life” by creating an atrium with skylights.

The layout of the loft classroom was shifted to allow light from the skylight to reach the ground floor. Children can observe the ever-changing light and shadow, rain and fallen leaves through the skylight as they go about their daily lives. Children can also feel nature with teachers and learn and play through nature.

In order to maximize the appeal of the gabled roof, we took advantage of this characteristic space and designed the building to show the structure without ceiling finishing materials.

This allowed for higher ceilings and the use of the different heights of the gable roof to create classrooms, a net playground equipment, and a library corner, creating a mix of large open spaces and children’s favorite hiding places. In addition, a net playground equipment that penetrates through the second floor was installed, allowing for three-dimensional play.

The overall design, including the shape of the restroom booths, wall materials, and class signage, was inspired by the industrial elements of the paper mill that previously existed at this location, creating a space design that would connect with and be attached to the community.

By making the space as open and unobstructed as possible, it allows children to feel nature, inspires interest and curiosity in the changes of nature, and imprints the urban landscape in their memories. We aim to create a nursery that allows students to develop an attachment to their hometown by adding local elements.

Design: HIBINOSEKKEI + Youji no Shiro
Photography: courtesy of HIBINOSEKKEI