DEN - A CO CREATED MODULAR KINDERGARTEN

Cracow Technical University (Politechnika Krakowska), Kraków

Bartosz Dendura

Project idea

What is a den for a child? A hiding place, a place to play safely?
Den is a concept of a nursery school that is open to children and their needs, a place where children are treated as full users of the space.
The proposed architectural solution refers to the idea of participatory design, which is implemented here as a result of workshops for preschool children, during which the youngest were given the opportunity to create ideas for their dream kindergarten, the results of which
were implemented in the concept in question, being woven into the prefabricated structure of the kindergarten, arranged in a modular way, based on ecological materials with a reduced carbon footprint, where the main load-bearing structure consists of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels.
The project embodies the principles of Montessori education, in which the child independently experiences and explores a carefully prepared environment. As a result, beyond its educational function, the kindergarten becomes the child’s “third teacher.” It is a place that does not impose predetermined scenarios of use, but instead establishes a safe framework within which the space can be shaped and redefined anew each day.
So what is the titular den...? Perhaps this...

Project description

The geometry of the building draws inspiration from its surroundings, characterised by single-family housing with gabled roofs. The development of the plot on which it is located is partially open to the local community through the proposed pocket park. It is appropriately
separated from the garden and the nursery area, which limits dangerous and uncontrolled situations, while at the same time being of great value to local residents, supporting integration and openness to others, which society has been deprived of as a result of technological
development and past events related to the pandemic.

The functional organization of the building is based on a modular structure, allowing for phased implementation and adaptation to the evolving needs of the local community. Individual modules form a clear and intuitive composition that supports children's spatial orientation while fostering a sense of safety, belonging, and identification with the environment.
At the heart of the project lies a shared communal space, serving as the social core of the kindergarten. This multifunctional area accommodates group activities, performances, workshops, and spontaneous everyday interactions between children, educators, and families. It strengthens the sense of community and encourages social engagement and cooperation.
The programme includes educational spaces dedicated to different age groups, designed as flexible learning environments. Each classroom maintains a direct connection to the outdoor environment, enabling a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor activities. The spaces incorporate areas for collaborative learning, creative play, quiet reflection, and individual concentration, supporting the diverse developmental needs of children.

An important component of the programme consists of specialized support spaces, including sensory integration and therapy rooms, psychological support facilities, areas for individual work, and rooms dedicated to extracurricular activities. These elements reflect an inclusive educational approach tailored to the diverse needs of all users.
The building also incorporates a comprehensive administrative and staff support zone, including offices, teachers' facilities, staff rooms, and operational support spaces. Their organization ensures the efficient functioning of the kindergarten while maintaining a clear separation between educational and service areas. The functional programme further includes a food preparation and dining area, designed to efficiently support daily operations while promoting healthy eating habits and raising awareness of sustainable resource consumption among young users.

Equally important are the extensive outdoor learning environments, conceived as an extension of the educational setting. The kindergarten garden, playgrounds, sensory activity zones, and rain garden provide opportunities for direct interaction with nature, supporting children's cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The site's proximity to significant green areas, including Borkowski Forest.
A defining quality of the project is its potential for co-creation and future adaptation by its users. Rather than being a fixed and static structure, the kindergarten is envisioned as a dynamic environment that evolves alongside the needs of children, educators, and the wider community. Architecture becomes a tool for fostering agency, participation, and a sense of belonging.

Technical information

The proposed DEN Kindergarten has been designed as an example of responsible future-oriented architecture, where technical solutions extend beyond structural and functional requirements to become integral tools for achieving environmental, social, and economic objectives. The project demonstrates the potential of low-carbon construction technologies, responsible resource management, and decision-making based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) principles.

The fundamental technical principle of the project is the implementation of a prefabricated modular timber construction system. The building is composed of repetitive functional modules whose standardization minimizes construction waste, shortens the building process, and reduces the impact of construction activities on the surrounding environment.
The primary load-bearing system consists of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels and engineered timber structural elements. Timber serves a dual purpose: it is both a high-performance structural material and a carbon storage medium, sequestering carbon dioxide absorbed during tree growth. The use of timber construction significantly reduces embodied carbon emissions associated with the product stage of the building life cycle (A1–A3).

The modular approach also enables future adaptation, extension, and partial disassembly of the building in accordance with circular economy principles. Individual components can be reused or repurposed, reducing waste generation at the end of the building's service life.
The external envelope has been designed as a highly insulated multilayer assembly utilizing natural and renewable materials, ensuring optimal thermal comfort throughout the year.
External walls combine timber structural systems with wood-fibre insulation, vapor-permeable membranes, and timber cladding. This assembly allows moisture diffusion while maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
The roof systems were optimized to achieve excellent thermal performance and material efficiency. The distinctive pitched roof geometry results not only from architectural intentions but also from environmental considerations related to efficient rainwater management and the provision of balanced daylight conditions.
Particular attention was given to the elimination of thermal bridges through carefully designed module connections and continuous insulation layers.

The project adopts an energy efficiency first strategy focused on reducing operational energy demand through passive design measures.
Heating is provided by high-efficiency heat pump systems, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring reliable thermal comfort. Low-temperature radiant heating systems contribute to improved energy performance and occupant well-being.
The building incorporates mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, ensuring excellent indoor air quality while minimizing ventilation-related heat losses. This strategy is particularly important in educational facilities, where indoor environmental quality directly influences children's health and cognitive performance.
Spatial organization and façade orientation support passive daylighting strategies, maximizing access to natural light while preventing overheating and reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

The project integrates a comprehensive stormwater management system as part of its climate adaptation strategy. Rainwater collected from roofs and impermeable surfaces is retained and managed on site.
A retention tank system enables the reuse of harvested rainwater for landscape irrigation and the operation of the rain garden system. This approach reduces pressure on municipal drainage infrastructure while supporting local water cycles.
The rain garden serves not only as a functional retention element but also as an educational landscape and biodiversity-supporting feature. The selection of native plant species enhances ecological resilience and minimizes maintenance requirements.

A defining aspect of the project is the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a decision-support methodology throughout the design process.
Environmental evaluation focused on the product stage (A1–A3), allowing comparison of alternative construction materials based on their embodied carbon impacts. The assessment demonstrated that timber construction and bio-based materials substantially reduce carbon emissions compared with conventional building systems.