Over a decade ago now, in 2013, this nursery school built to passive house standards in a northern area of Munich using a prefabricated kit of cross-laminated timber, Sylva™ CLT Floors and Roofs by Stora Enso, primarily in visible quality.

Kinderkrippe Dietersheim was designed by the architectural firm Hirner und Riehl Architekten, with Grossmann Bau GmbH & Co KG serving as the specialist timber subcontractor a prefabricated kit of parts made from cross-laminated timber. 

One of the key advantages of building with a Sylva kit is the speed at which buildings can be erected. The high level of prefabrication means that the elements are manufactured off-site and then quickly assembled on-site. This not only shortens the construction timeline but also minimizes disruption to the surrounding area and increases worker safety. 

Sylva kits also help to provide a healthy and sustainable learning environment for children. The natural thermal properties of wood help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round with reduced energy use. The precision of the prefabrication aids airtightness. Because this school is also built to PassivHaus standards, they used excellent insulation and energy-efficient windows and ventilation systems.

One of the standout features of this project is the installation of 1,400m² of Sylva CLT Walls, showcasing the natural beauty of the timber on both the front and rear sides. This design choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also significantly speeds up the construction process. With the finished surface already in place during assembly, the need for additional rework or finishing is minimized, thanks to careful protective measures.

This visual appearance is particularly important in an educational setting, where the environment can have a significant impact on the wellbeing and development of young children. Mass timber in schools offers several other benefits for children’s health and concentration, making it an excellent choice for educational environments such as. 

Less noise: Wood's has shown to help reduce noise levels within classrooms. A comfortable and quiet environment is conducive to better concentration and learning.

Less stress: Studies have shown that exposure to wood in indoor environments can lower heart rates and reduce stress levels. This is particularly beneficial in a school setting, where lower stress levels can lead to improved focus and cognitive performance.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Using mass timber supports sustainable building practices, which can instill a sense of environmental responsibility in students. Knowing that their school is built from renewable resources can foster a positive attitude towards sustainability.

Learn more about health and wellness with mass timber in educational facilities.

Download White paper on 10 reasons for building with wood - News | Stora Enso (DE version)