Human Scale
A kindergarten that makes a statement without overshadowing its surroundings
The new Protestant kindergarten in Hirschberg Leutershausen won a design competition in 2017, with its urban design concept standing out to the jury. Rightfully so—despite its considerable size, the building sits comfortably within the village's character, its scale and massing echoing the eaves and gable-roofed structures that define the surrounding neighborhood.
Studio SF achieved this through a thoughtful strategy: offsetting the building's three sections to break up its mass, while pitched roofs dialogue with local building traditions—reinterpreted through contemporary design. True to the area's vernacular, terracotta tiles clad the roofs. Light-colored, textured plaster facades strike a balance between warmth and cohesion, creating an inviting presence befitting a public institution. Wood-aluminum windows and recessed wooden reveals add further refinement to the overall character. The kindergarten's entrance aligns with neighboring civic buildings like Martin Stöhr Primary School and Heinrich Beck Hall. A welcoming forecourt between Fenchelstraße and Hölderlinstraße provides a natural gathering and drop-off point for families, complete with bike and car parking.
Where the exterior maintains quiet restraint through its material palette, the interior reveals a different character: natural finishes, wood, linoleum, and smooth plaster create warmth and openness. Soaring ceilings reach to the roof line, and generous sightlines connect spaces throughout. A striking play staircase and the double-height canteen area form the building's beating heart—a hub that draws all activities together and seamlessly links indoor and outdoor spaces. When needed, the canteen and entrance merge into one continuous space, extending the staircase's versatility. Child-scaled group rooms on both levels face the garden and benefit from compact organization, with strategically placed coat areas and expansive play corridors serving as natural transitions.
Photography Credits:
Ben van Skyhawk
www.benvanskyhawk.com
(Featured in CUBE Frankfurt 04|23)
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