![Kindergarten and after-school Care Center / Alexa Zahn architects - Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50b6/39cc/b3fc/4b5d/a800/0010/newsletter/10_nacht.jpg?1361393358)
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Architects: Alexa Zahn architects
- Area: 1 m²
- Year: 2009
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Photographs:Hertha Hurnaus
![Kindergarten and after-school Care Center / Alexa Zahn architects - Facade, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50b6/399d/b3fc/4b5d/a800/0005/newsletter/3_hof.jpg?1354119581)
Text description provided by the architects. The aim was to find a concept for the extension of the Koref School, constructed in the 1950s, rebinding a kindergarten of four classes and eight classes for the after-school care center.
![Kindergarten and after-school Care Center / Alexa Zahn architects - Windows, Glass, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50b6/39c8/b3fc/4b5d/a800/000e/newsletter/5_innen_aussen.jpg?1354119624)
The compact new building completes comb-like structure of existing building and creates in its interior a interplay of closed and open spaces. In the existing building where the building itself as well as the exterior area are perceived as tangible experience/spaces this concept is continued in the new part of the building. Through the composition of the classrooms a diversified sequence of spaces is created; instead of hallways there is a versatile space of motion with views/outlooks, niches/alcoves and common areas with a variety of indoor qualities.
![Kindergarten and after-school Care Center / Alexa Zahn architects - Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50b6/39a1/b3fc/4b5d/a800/0006/newsletter/7_innen_gemeinschaftsraum.jpg?1354119586)
The concept consists of a 2-level building with patio. The kindergarten is located on the ground floor with its projecting outdoor space. On the upper level the after-school care center can be extended to eight classes through restructuring.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50b6/39cc/b3fc/4b5d/a800/0011/newsletter/131112_elevation_nord_monochrom_schraffur_200.jpg?1492466941)
By means of the compact building much outdoor space can be left as open space. The central patio functions as play- lunch and learning area. As well as the loggias in front of the classrooms it can be used all year round and represents with the projecting general areas a considerable part of the spatial concept.