lacroix chessex architectes envelops the landscape with nursery in switzerland

swiss architecture firm lacroix chessex constructs a crèche, or childrens’ nursery, in lancy, switzerland. contrary to its otherwise urban context within the municipality of geneva, the project is sited on a pastoral, open clearing adjacent to a small orchard. lacroix chessex exploits the natural quality of the site by engulfing the landscape with its two tall cedar trees into the heart of the building.

image by XC

the playground — a protected exterior space where the children spend a great deal of time — is a key element to the project and is just as important as the building itself. lacroix chessex architectes distinguishes playground from the rest of the clearing as it is sunk 60cm below grade. a low, continuous bench runs along the playground’s perimeter, creating a privileged relationship with the natural surroundings, expressed as a room open to the sky.

image by joël tettamanti

the timber clad structure has a clear, simple organization: two wings accommodate four groups of children, while the common spaces are housed in the central space. a large foyer connects the distinct areas. lacroix chessex architectes illustrates: ‘the structure simultaneously evokes a large, solid, cut block, a lodge set among trees, a musical instrument or a wooden toy. it plays on the relativity of scales of such interpretations and associations of ideas in an allusion to the playful world of children’s games.‘

image by joël tettamanti

image by joël tettamanti

image by joël tettamanti

image by joël tettamanti

image by joël tettamanti

image by joël tettamanti

image by joël tettamanti

image by joël tettamanti

image by joël tettamanti

image by joël tettamanti

image by joël tettamanti

 
image by joël tettamanti

image by XC

project info:

location: lancy, switzerland

type: open competition, winning project

gross floor area: 1,979 m2

team: eulalia badia, sofia gaspar, christophe mattar, cristina moldes, ana sa, mara sciarini