Demand for childcare spaces continues to rise across the state capital. To address this pressing need, bap architekten developed an architecturally sophisticated, resource-conscious solution: a nursery at Ulenbergpark designed around timber construction and energy efficiency. The project, realized for Immobilien Projekt Management (IPM) GmbH on behalf of Düsseldorf, also makes thoughtful use of the northern section of this popular recreation area. Key features include unsealed outdoor spaces and integrated office areas for the municipal parks department that manages the facility.

The new nursery sits conveniently along Ulenbergstraße, adjacent to the park's central parking area. The site underwent complete remediation—paved surfaces, planted areas, sandpits, and a boules court gave way to thoughtful development that restored the landscape. The reclaimed areas now feature innovative biodiversity measures. The single-storey building comprises a concrete base topped with timber frame construction and a closed, rear-ventilated timber façade. Its L-shaped floor plan organizes spaces by function: the long wing houses three group rooms that open southward toward the park with covered terrace areas, providing both outdoor access and natural shading. Service spaces—corridors, restrooms, and cloakrooms—occupy the northern side, creating a buffer for the group areas. To the west, a separate kitchen and storage facilities complete the layout. The shorter eastern wing holds staff rooms and integrates the independently accessible offices of the municipal parks department. At the junction of the two wings lies the main entrance, positioned to open both outward and upward—a gesture that strikes a welcoming, open, and inviting tone.

A movable partition in the foyer creates flexibility, allowing the space to transform into a multipurpose room for events like nursery celebrations. The interior corridor, which runs through the building, is equally thoughtful in design: a clerestory band—created by the height offset between building sections—floods the corridor with natural light while facilitating cross-ventilation throughout the rooms. The exposed timber beam structure, enhanced with acoustic panels, pairs beautifully with rubber flooring and accent wall colors. Environmentally, the building performs impressively through an air-to-water heat pump system and photovoltaic panels installed on the fully planted roof areas.

www.bap-architekten.de

Photography:
Paul Masukowitz
www.paul-masukowitz.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 04|25)