MAD architects remodels japanese residence to form clover house kindergarten

MAD architects has completed its first project in japan, a sculptural space for children in the small town of okazaki. named the ‘clover house kindergarten’, the building was formerly a two-storey residence that had become too small to cater to the needs of its young users. the school’s setting presents views of the paddy fields and mountains beyond, elements characteristic of the aichi prefecture. the brief called for a modern educational institution where children could feel as comfortable as they do in their own homes, allowing them to grow and learn in a nurturing setting.

the building was formerly a two-storey residence
all images by fuji koji, apart from main image by rasmus daniel taun

as with its neighboring buildings, the 105 square meter property was first constructed as a standard prefabricated house. to minimize construction costs, MAD architects decided to recycle the existing wooden structure, incorporating it into the new design. consequently, the original frame is present throughout the main learning area. a series of translucent and enclosed spaces adapt to different teaching activities, while windows of various shapes allow sunlight to filter inside the building, creating ever-changing shadows designed to stimulate students’ curiosity and imagination.

a slide descends from the second floor of the building to an outdoor play area

like a piece of cloth draped over the building’s skeleton, a new skin wraps around the existing wooden structure. the signature pitched roof has been repurposed to create dynamic interior spaces, while recalling the building’s former residential use. both the façade and the roof utilize common soft materials, such as asphalt shingles. these provide waterproofing, while enclosing the entire structure in a sheath of paper-like pieces. a slide descends from the second floor of the building to an outdoor play area, adding to the scheme’s sense of playfulness.

the existing wooden structure has been incorporated into the new design

‘I think it’s important to create a homely atmosphere inside this kindergarten, so instead building a brand new building, we decide to keep the old wooden structure as the memory and the soul of the space, and work around it,’ explains ma yansong, founder of MAD architects. ‘we have designed the building from a child’s point of view, and the layout focuses on creating intimate and diverse spaces. we wanted to create a playful piece of architecture that would stay in the memory of the kids when they have grown up.’

a series of translucent and enclosed spaces adapt to different teaching activities

the original frame is present throughout the main learning area

the design is intended to make children feel comfortable and relaxed

an amphitheater-like space includes storage for books

windows of various shapes allow sunlight to filter inside the building

a new sculptural skin wraps around the existing wooden structure

asphalt shingles enclose the entire structure in a sheath of paper-like pieces

the façade and the roof utilize common soft materials

the school’s setting presents views of the paddy fields and mountains beyond

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project info:

location: okazaki, aichi, japan
typology: kindergarten
status: completed
site area: 283 sqm
building area: 134 sqm
total floor area: 300 sqm
directors: ma yansong, yosuke hayano, dang qun
design team: takahiro yonezu, yukan yanagawa, hiroki fujino, julian sattler, davide signorato
client: clover international school
constructor: kira construction inc.
structural engineer: takuo nagai

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