Early Childhood Education Center in Chienes: A Safe, Stimulating Child-Friendly Environment

Designed by Roland Baldi Architects and located in the historic center of Chienes, Alto Adige, this early childhood education center is a creative and stimulating space for growth and learning. It also serves as a reference point for the community, seamlessly integrating into everyday life in Val Pusteria and its surroundings.

The red-brown façade of this two-story timber building was inspired by the local church bell tower, while granite elements on the partially subterranean lower floor recall the natural stone wall of the nearby music rehearsal studio. Constructed of cross-laminated timber panels, the upper floor incorporates a green roof.

Child-friendly Spaces

The design team created the interiors to meet the needs of children. The lower floor includes a cloakroom, a motor skills room, and a spacious atrium that provides a versatile central space. A separate entrance leads directly to the cafeteria, which serves both the preschool and a nearby primary school.

The project also includes a kiosk that connects the kitchen to the outdoor area, enabling catering for events in the town square.

The upper floor houses the nursery school, two classrooms, and four creative workspaces, all overlooking the garden. Almost all the classrooms have direct access to partially covered outdoor areas, which can be used even in bad weather. The nursery includes two classrooms, a nap room, a staff room, a kitchen, and bathrooms.

Upstairs, the green areas provide outdoor play spaces, offering further opportunities for movement.

The use of timber extends to the interiors, where birch features prominently in the doors, acoustic ceiling panels, oiled floorboards, and custom-made solid wood furniture. Combined with a muted color palette, these natural materials create a welcoming, comfortable environment.

Extensive glazing allows abundant natural light inside, creating a bright, pleasant atmosphere. A zigzagging outdoor ramp spans the four meters between the school playground and the upper floor, providing easy access and creating an important connection to the upper part of the village.

Sustainability and safety

Sustainability and safety were both key elements of the project, with the building constructed to meet CasaClima A standards. An air-to-water heat pump provides heating, while a controlled mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery ensures fresh air and a comfortable indoor environment. The green roof has photovoltaic panels.

The project was funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), which in turn is supported by EU funding, and designed according to the DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) principle. It also includes measures to safeguard the health of children and staff against radon, a natural gas found in high concentrations in the region.

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