Nursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex

Nursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex - Windows, FacadeNursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex - Windows, Facade, Beam, CourtyardNursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex - WindowsNursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex - Windows, CityscapeNursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex - More Images+ 40

  • Architects: Lacroix Chessex
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1979
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2015
  • Photographs
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Dunoyer, Favorol Papaux, Vial
More SpecsLess Specs
Nursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex - Windows, Cityscape
© XC

Text description provided by the architects. The project uses its splendid location, an open clearing with two tall cedar trees and a gently inclining orchard, to allow the landscape to enter into the centre of the building. The day care centre and playground are treated as two parts of a puzzle, as the permeation of interior and exterior spaces.

Nursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex - Windows
© Toniatuh Ambrosetti
Ground Floor Plan
Nursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex - Handrail
© Toniatuh Ambrosetti

The playground, a guarded, protected exterior space in which the children spend a great deal of time, is a key element of the project that is just as important as its alter ego, the building itself. Sunken 60 cm into the ground, the playground sets itself apart from the rest of the clearing. It is enveloped by a long, continuous bench and creates a special, privileged reference to the surrounding nature. It achieves a clear topography, as it were a room that opens up towards the sky. The dovetail wings of the building highlight the structured connection to the exterior space. 

Nursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex - Windows, Facade
© Joël Tettamanti

The programmatic organisation within the building is simple and clear: In each of the wings, four groups of children are accommodated, while the common areas are housed in the northern section. A large entrance hall connects the different sections. The building is clad in wood and simultaneously resembles a large, cut-out block, a pavilion beneath the trees and a musical instrument or wooden toy. It plays on the relativity of scales of such perspectives and associations, thereby humorously referring to the world of children’s games.

Nursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex - Image 13 of 45
© Toniatuh Ambrosetti

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Lancy, Switzerland

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Nursery in la Chapelle-les-Sciers / Lacroix Chessex" 08 Sep 2017. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/879261/nursery-in-la-chapelle-les-sciers-lacroix-chessex> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.