puddle-filled D1 kindergarten and nursery completed in kumamoto

puddle-filled D1 kindergarten and nursery completed in kumamoto, japan
all images courtesy of studio bauhaus, ryuji inoue

the closed room rigidity of formal education is quickly being lain to the wayside in favor of diversified, flexible spaces and teaching styles. curriculums are being optimized for the raising of individuals, and a considerable amount of effort has been put forth, concentrating on the power of environment in childhood development.

façade 

‘D1 kindergarten and nursery’ in kumamoto, japan features a highly malleable organization that can be changed in accordance with the needs of teachers on any given day. the scheme was designed collaboratively by HIBINOSEKKEI + youji no shiro. no partitions are present in classrooms aside from furnishings. at the time of admission, each student is required to buy all needed elements: chair, cubby, desk, etc. after graduation they take their items home, bringing about an annual update of the school’s equipment at no additional cost to the institution.

at night, the structure becomes transparent 

the entire interior is a transparent, semi-outdoor space. the structure is surrounded with an external covered pathway that blocks strong sunlight and rain. during warm days, classrooms can be opened fully and ventilated with natural, breezy air. in the center, a massive atrium delineates a courtyard. aside from functioning as an impromptu lunch room, it can also become a water-filled play area. when exposed to heavy rain, the basin shaped area fills. in winter, snow and water freezes, providing a skating rink. ‘D1 kindergarten and nursery’ gives a high degree of freedom to children and educators alike, and contributes positively to the ongoing rethinking of childhood learning. 

courtyard lunchroom 

classroom with fully opening walls 

interior  

small furnishings visual separate the open interior 

workspace 

kitchen, and some little helpers 

restroom

restroom, alternate view 

first floor, transparent bathroom 

project info:

project name: D1 kindergarten and nursery
location: kumamoto, japan
firms: HIBINOSEKKEI + youji no shiro
site area: 3,084.57m²
surface area: 1,213.26m² 
building area: 1,161.63m²
photography: studio bauhaus, ryuji inoue

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom