MADE's timber kindergarten in latvia is the baltic states’ first public passive house building

MADE arhitekti completes sasalspils timber kindergarten

The Salaspils Timber Kindergarten, designed by MADE arhitekti, sets a new benchmark as the first public Passive House building in the Baltic States. Combining energy efficiency with sustainable design, the structure employs load-bearing wooden elements and toxin-free materials, aligning with Europe’s future climate goals. It sits just 30 minutes from Riga and caters to Salaspils’ growing population of young families while offering adaptability to future educational needs.

The Latvia-based architects approached the project with the intent to address critical issues in contemporary construction: economic feasibility, environmental sustainability, and human safety. The kindergarten achieves outstanding energy efficiency, consuming just 12 kWh/m² annually, and adheres to Passive House standards, ensuring optimal year-round thermal comfort and air. Its CO2 footprint is also further minimized through its load-bearing wooden structure and finishes, while within, the material palette is selected for low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and the absence of toxic ingredients.

all images courtesy of MADE arhitekti

defined by Adaptability and environmental consciousness

MADE arhitekti conceived the kindergarten to meet the growing demand for educational facilities in Salaspils, where many families reside while commuting to Riga for work and study. The building accommodates twelve classes grouped in pairs, with each of the two groups having its own entrance and hall to ensure smooth daily logistics during drop-off and pick-up times. The entrances are marked by three corrugated metal ‘houses’ that provide the facility with a playful visual identity.

Adaptability too is a core feature that the architects devised the design concept round. While the building currently functions as a kindergarten, the layout allows for it to be repurposed as a primary school in the future. At the center of the space, an open ‘living room’ becomes a versatile communal area, functioning as a canteen and event space. Adjacent facilities — including a music room — can integrate with this core or remain separated, supported by a connected hall and amphitheater.

MADE arhitekti completes Salaspils Timber Kindergarten

the baltic states’ first public passive house building

The team at MADE arhitekti notes that constructing the two-level timber building required navigating Latvia’s building code, which currently lacks alignment with progressive climate goals. The architects successfully negotiated deviations from the code, obtaining approval from the State Fire and Rescue Service’s technical commission. The municipality of Salaspils, alongside the Ministry of Economics, also played a pivotal role in facilitating these adaptations, enabling the kindergarten to achieve Passive House certification from Germany’s Passive House Institute.

the first public Passive House building in the Baltic States

the structure employs load-bearing wooden elements and toxin-free materials

the design offers adaptability to future educational needs

the building accommodates twelve classes grouped in pairs

the layout allows for it to be repurposed as a primary school in the future.

an open ‘living room’ becomes a versatile communal area, with the option to connect to adjacent spaces

outdoor spaces

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project info:

name: Salaspils Timber Kindergarten
architect: MADE arhitekti | @madearhitekti

location: Salaspils, Latvia

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom