Sonnenfuge: A place with roots and wideness.
The design for the new Wattenheim daycare center is intended to be a rooted, landscape-embedded educational and living space at the sensitive interface between village and countryside. As a single-story, gently winding structure, the daycare center develops along a slight “S” curve and digs itself protectively into the terrain—three sides are enveloped by earth, creating a feeling of security, energy efficiency, and anchoring in the location. The clear east-facing orientation opens up to views of fields and the village, where light-flooded group rooms with direct access to spacious open areas are lined up. The walk-on roof extends the experimential space vertically and invites discovery.
Inside, an open play corridor forms the backbone of a spacious movement landscape. The semi-open group concept promotes community, independence, and flexible educational processes. Synergies with the adjacent elementary school are created through a shared kitchen and cafeteria – a meeting place for kindergarten children and schoolchildren. The existing village path is preserved and integrated into the path concept, former sealed areas are dismantled and redesigned as natural play and adventure areas.
As a new building on the site of the former synagogue, the children's house also sees itself as a sign of remembrance and new beginnings: a peaceful, open place of learning that recognizes diversity and embraces community. The design language reflects topographical movements, while the tectonics and materials convey calm and sensuality. The design thus becomes a place with roots – but also with wings: a symbolic building block for the future of Wattenheim.
Name: Sonnenfuge
Studio Type: Solo
Time: Apr 25 - Jul 25
Location: Kaiserslautern, Germany
Context: University of Kaiserslautern, Germany
Instructor: Prof. Sabrina Wirtz
Dorian Prattes ©
Lageplan, 1.500
