UMA nestles library inside tree-shaped installation in sweden

a playful hybrid between a spruce and a medieval cottage

In the playground of a Swedish preschool sits a whimsical tree-shaped library that shelters young children as they explore their inquisitive minds. Designed by UMA, Granhus stands as a playful hybrid between a spruce tree and a traditional Swedish cottage, housing a small collection of kid’s books inside its wooden form. Stockholm-based UMA’s concept for the library drew on both the spatial qualities of a spruce as well as the medieval architecture of Arboga — the small town in which the school sits — and its engulfing natural landscape. Creating a cozy reading nook in the outdoors, Granhus’ structural core is integrated with inbuilt benches and and book shelves, as well as lighting that exudes a soft glow from the above.

Granhus preschool library | all images courtesy of UMA

uma’s carves intricate octagonal library in wood

Functional and playful, Granhus library was conceived after UMA, led by architect and artist Ulf Mejergren won a competition to create a permanent artwork for the Skogsgläntans preschool. The project sits between Arboga’s medieval city center and the surrounding patches of forest, giving the students access to two exciting worlds to explore up close. ‘Both worlds are imaginative and very inspiring environments and these two became our two main ingredients for our project,’ notes the team.

The library is shaped as an octagonal form where each side is identical except for the entrance which is marked by a triangular opening. Its intricate facade emulates a spruce tree dripping with snow, its branches drooping to almost wholly engulf those who come close. Recreating this familiar effect, Granhus welcomes children to enter and dwell in the cozy enclosure as they read. It can also double as a gathering point for the children before or after excursions and the shelves can be used as display for findings from their adventures.

the outdoor library sits in a school playground in historic Arboga

UMA borrowed the structure’s natural texture and traditional red color from a more traditional type of architecture mainly used for historic church spires which can be found across Arboga. This technique creates a three-dimensional living form that is both functional, and sculpturally experimental and inviting to interact with. The color further reinforces a sense of refined craftsmanship and evokes an old Swedish cottage. Throughout the changing motions of the day, its hues also transform from bright red to almost black.

the facade’s hues transform from bright red to almost black under the shifting daylight