In the northern part of Berlin, amidst a typical 1970s-era prefabricated housing district, a green oasis unfolds: the Intercultural Garden (see more at: sozdia.de). Here, north of Landsberger Allee, Hinz Architekten have created a unique space for 130 children with Kita NEO, which not only meets the requirements of a modern daycare center but also sets new standards as a “nature experience space.”

The new building is designed as a two-story block in timber-frame construction and was planned with consideration of the sun’s path to ensure optimal lighting conditions and energy efficiency. Oriented perpendicular to the street, the building mass creates a distinctive, clear edge. The raised structure at the entrance highlights the head building and emphasizes the main entrance, which is located at the street. The covered terrace, created by the building setback, seamlessly flows into the entrance area and acts as a “garden room,” establishing a direct connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The building’s wooden facade is not only a visual highlight but also reflects the ecological concept of the project. It integrates harmoniously into the adjacent intercultural garden, serving as a green oasis in the urban environment. Hinz Architekten consciously selected materials and designs that emphasize the project’s connection to nature and sustainability.

The interior architecture is tailored to the needs of the children, offering flexible room layouts that enable varied and creative interactions. High transparency and short paths enhance visibility and the direct connection to the outdoor space, which is also beneficial for the children. All group rooms on the ground floor have direct access to the garden – an element that fosters the connection to nature and supports the educational approach of “learning through experience.” Themes such as the garden and pond have been incorporated into the interior design through a thoughtfully designed color concept, furniture, and decoration, allowing the children to feel close to nature even indoors.

Kita NEO was developed with the goal of creating a barrier-free and sustainable building. Designed as a low-energy house, the building uses a pellet heating system to reduce its ecological footprint, along with a photovoltaic system. Additionally, the flat roofs are extensively greened, which not only provides an environmentally friendly solution but also benefits the surrounding residents and enhances the quality of life in the area.

Kita NEO represents more than just a conventional daycare center. It combines ecological responsibility with a thoughtful, functional design that benefits both the children and the surrounding community – an example of modern architecture that meets the demands of sustainability and child-friendly design.

Design: Hinz Architekten
Project Management: Katrin Witt
Construction Management: Sven Weissengruber
Landscape Planner: mijca – KLASSE SPIELEN
Photography: bullahuth