The green hill ranges that line the valley give the place a special aura.; nature is omnipresent. The location serves as the northern entrance to the Carl Zeiss AG grounds in Oberkochen. The banana-shaped plot is bounded in the northeast by a steepy inclined slope and opens toward the southwest into the valley.

The generous layout allows a single-story organization of interconnected spaces with direct outdoor access. Functionally, the plan is divided into three areas: the foyer with a multipurpose room and administration, the U3 area, and the over-3 area. The form of the children’s house winds across the site like a snake; this trajectory is not to imitate a snake, but to engage with the surrounding outdoor space. The site contour and the rear wall-like embankment prevent the creation of unused areas. Narrowings and widenings between the building and the slope create an engaging and varied play area. Wildflower meadows showcase the house and introduce even the youngest to themes of nature and life. A naturalistic play environment, based on the principle “less is more,” stimulates creativity and fosters a spirit of discovery.

Inside, the atmosphere is shaped predominantly by exposed timber walls. All surfaces accessible to children are designed for durability and, thanks to the material, age well; over time they even develop more character. The facade envisions a vertically overlapping cladding of larch and douglas fir boards, with a pattern of alternation that creates a dynamic appearance.

Design: se\arch Architekten
Photography: Zooey Braun