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Kindergarten KEKECArchitect: Jure KotnikLocation:Ljubljana, SloveniaArea:130.0 sqm

From the architect.Kindergarten Kekec is an extension of a typical Slovene prefab kindergarten from the 1980s.The construction is made from prefabricated wood and was built in three days only.The main design concept derives from the existing kindergarten's lack of play equipment.

The new faade solves this weakness by offering a play element along all three exterior walls. It consists of dark brown roughcast and timber slats revolving around their vertical axe. The slats are thecolourof natural wood on one side but painted into nine different brightcolourson the other side. Aside from serving as a shading element, the toy slats provide for children's play and learning: as the children manipulate thecolourfulwooden planks they get to know differentcolours, experience wood as a natural material and constantly change the appearance of their kindergarten, all at the same time.

Kekec has a multi-task colourful faade that:1. functions as a toy, allowing children to rotate the slats and change the appearanceof their kindergarten;2. helps children learn about colours and experience wood as a natural material;3. enables children to play games, such as matching colours, counting, guessinggames, etc.;4. helps improve childrens eye-hand coordination, motor coordination and enhancestheir EQ while playing;5. functions as a chameleon skin that allows the building to appear either descreetor vibrant;6. functions as a shading element that controls the amount of heat and light enteringthe interior.Kindergarten Kekec is an extension of a typical Slovene prefab kindergarten from the 1980s situated in one of Ljubljanas neighbourhoods.

DESIGN CONCEPTPROBLEM: LACK OF PLAYGROUND EQUPMENTNO EXTRA BUDGET FOR ITSOLUTION: COLOURFUL FACADE FUNCTIONING AS A TOY, LEARINGINSTRUMENT FOR COLOURS AND A SHADING ELEMENTFOR THE WINDOWS AT THE SAME TIME.

Playrooms are compact but allow for the furniture to be arranged in various formations. Daylight floods the interior from three sides as well as the roof. Located between the two playrooms, washrooms have large glass openings, which visually increase their volume as well as ease tutor supervision. Wardrobes in the narrow cloakroom are made from pure natural wood. Wardrobes in the narrow changing room are made from pure natural wood and have pull-out boxes for shoes in all thecoloursof the faade, which function as a space saver, since they also serve as a bench.

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