![Kindergarden Schukowitzgasse / KIRSCH Architecture - Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/56b8/b5ea/e58e/ce96/a000/00f6/newsletter/kirsch_kiga_%C2%A9-Hertha-Hurnaus_01.jpg?1454945764)
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Architects: KIRSCH Architecture
- Year: 2010
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Photographs:Hertha Hurnaus
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Manufacturers: Kaufmann Bausysteme
![Kindergarden Schukowitzgasse / KIRSCH Architecture - Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/56b8/b600/e58e/cefe/dd00/0126/newsletter/kirsch_kiga_%C2%A9-Hertha-Hurnaus_03.jpg?1454945785)
Text description provided by the architects. CONCEPT ARCHITECTURE
Situated in a heterogenuous suburban surrounding the 2 storey structure expresses a distinct identity harmonizing with its neighbouring buildings.
![Kindergarden Schukowitzgasse / KIRSCH Architecture - Windows, Facade, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/56b8/b5f3/e58e/cefe/dd00/0125/medium_jpg/kirsch_kiga_%C2%A9-Hertha-Hurnaus_02.jpg?1454945773)
Complex simplicity – simple complexity
The concept of a spatial open square core is enlarged by a “filter” layer comprising boxlike secondary rooms, external stairs, sun protected playgrounds and a “green” façade. This intermediate layer works as a “verandah” zone mediating between the inside and the outside, allowing manifold outlooks and insights. Inside perspectives enable the user at any point to orientate him/herself within the building.
![Kindergarden Schukowitzgasse / KIRSCH Architecture - Image 8 of 14](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/56b8/b62d/e58e/cefe/dd00/0128/newsletter/kirsch_kiga_%C2%A9-Hertha-Hurnaus_07.jpg?1454945831)
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/56b0/2f7f/e58e/cee7/e100/06e9/medium_jpg/kirsch_kiga_ground_floor_copy.jpg?1454387045)
Functional openness – spatial intimacy
![Kindergarden Schukowitzgasse / KIRSCH Architecture - Stairs, Handrail, Steel](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/56b8/b60a/e58e/ce96/a000/00f7/medium_jpg/kirsch_kiga_%C2%A9-Hertha-Hurnaus_04.jpg?1454945796)
The entrance, administration / therapie, the bistro and 2 group rooms for infants are situated on the ground floor. On the first floor, there is a floating space for 4 groups according to the occupant’s concept of an “open mode” . One of the groups is seperated by glass walls to serve as a relaxation room. The servicing rooms (i.e sanitry boxes, storage and play niches) are placed at the façade as annexes to the main space.
![Kindergarden Schukowitzgasse / KIRSCH Architecture - Windows, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/56b8/b639/e58e/ce96/a000/00f9/medium_jpg/kirsch_kiga_%C2%A9-Hertha-Hurnaus_08.jpg?1454945842)
CONSTRUCTION
To stick to the prefixed schedule for completion, the coice fell on a mixed system of prefab-construction between in situ concrete and prefabricated cross laminated timber: The ground slab and the slab between ground and upper floor of the square core (22 / 22m) is made of in situ concrete combined with columns of spun concrete. The roof is made of cross laminated timber (BBS), as well as the prefabricated boxes. A rectangular core of reinforced concrete and the slab next to the central staircase are used for the lateral reinforcement of the building.
![Kindergarden Schukowitzgasse / KIRSCH Architecture - Stairs, Handrail](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/56b8/b617/e58e/ce96/a000/00f8/newsletter/kirsch_kiga_%C2%A9-Hertha-Hurnaus_05.jpg?1454945808)
HVACR
The kindergarden fulfills the requirements of a passive house standard. The heating and cooling system is based on a air / water heating pump situated on the flat roof.