This sustainable childcare centre was completed in October 2023 after a rapid construction period. It is a good example of a flexible design school concept and exposed brushed cross-laminated timber (CLT), built from a Sylva™ kit of parts by Stora Enso.
Initially, built for two childcare groups, the centre can expand to four groups (28 childcare spaces). The west wing’s wooden structure allows for an additional floor, potentially for employee apartments.
The circular design means the layout can be adapted to future needs to reduce the likelihood of demolition if the current usage changes over time.
The exterior of the building is clad in larch and has a large canopy with a sheltered terrace area that enables outdoor play time in all weathers.
Brushed surface
As sustainability is a core aspect of the childcare centre’s design, using exposed brushed CLT was chosen for the health and wellness benefits. The brushed surface treatment enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building and adds a tactile quality to the timber, creating a warm and inviting environment for the children.
Partnership
The project was executed by our partners, the mass timber specialists, ZMP. ZMP’s contribution was crucial in ensuring the project’s success, providing expertise and high-quality materials that met the project’s structural analysis and structural calculations.
The €1.6 million project was financed through a combination of state subsidies and the municipality’s own funds.
Construction
Specifying Sylva™ CLT elements significantly contributed to the rapid construction time. Sylva’s custom-made elements are designed for quick assembly, which helped streamline the building process and achieve the early completion date.
Sustainability
The Sylva CLT elements generated less than eight tonnes of greenhouse gases (CO₂e) to manufacture and transport. Compared to the 103 tonnes of carbon dioxide that the trees removed while they were growing and will store in for the school this is a small fraction. Choosing Sylva CLT elements instead of non-renewables avoided 154 tonnes of greenhouse gases. (Source: Stora Enso Carbon Calculator).
The building is equipped with a photovoltaic system that generates approximately 30 kWp, contributing to its energy efficiency.
