Daycare center Jonah and the whale

Project overview

The daycare center was planned and realized by D:4 Architektur and was built on the site of the former Felsen Church, based on a feasibility study carried out by D:4 in 2018/2019. It offers space for 70 children and places a special focus on the care of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both the architecture and the educational concept of the daycare center were designed to enable inclusion and individual development.

Architectural concept

The daycare center extends over two floors and covers around 1,200 m². Four group rooms were created under the striking, multi-folded roof, which serves as a central design element. This roof not only provides an aesthetic eye-catcher, but also ensures optimal lighting and interesting room sequences inside. On the first floor, there are rooms for under-threes and functional rooms, while on the upper floor there are three further group rooms for over-threes and a multifunctional room.

Sustainable timber hybrid construction

The daycare center was built using a sustainable timber hybrid construction method, in which timber frame and solid wood elements were used. This construction method creates a pleasant indoor climate and is also particularly resource-friendly and deconstructable. The structural design of the folded roof was carried out by Lossen Ingenieure, while the carpentry work was carried out by Zimmerei Arche Naturhaus GmbH. A particular focus was placed on selecting materials that are as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.

Inclusion and accessibility

The room concept focused on inclusion and accessibility. All rooms were designed to allow unrestricted access for children with different physical and mental abilities. The floor plan follows the principle "from large to small", which facilitates easy orientation in the building. The central foyer serves as the largest room and provides access to the group rooms. Color-coded doors - green frames for playrooms, grey frames for functional rooms - help the children find their way around.

Hallway with wardrobe | Photo © Denny Voigt.

Reduction of stimuli

Particular attention was paid to minimizing acoustic and visual stimuli in order to create a calm and concentrated learning environment. Sound-absorbing wooden slats ensure pleasant acoustics in the interior spaces, while a calming color scheme in shades of blue and green avoids visual overstimulation. In addition, specially designed retreat areas and polygonally shaped built-in furniture offer the children space to withdraw if necessary.

Outdoor facilities

A spacious garden shielded from the street complements the interior spaces and offers the children play areas for running around, climbing, digging and retreats. Around 4,000 bricks from the demolished Felsen church were reused for the design of the outdoor area. These bricks were reused as walls, path edgings and other elements in the garden design, which emphasizes the connection between the old and the new building in a sustainable way.

Detail wooden ceiling | Photo © Denny Voigt.

"We are proud to be part of this timber hybrid construction project and would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication. Special thanks go to the architectural firm D:4 Architektur and Arche Naturhaus GmbH for their creative design and outstanding work. Together, we are shaping the future of our little ones and creating a place where they can develop and grow."