22·26 KITA Nordstraße
Leipzig I Germany
Multifunctional building
A multifunctional building with two new daycare facilities for children is to be built on the site of the “Kita am Zoo” in Nordstraße in the north of the city centre.
As the existing daycare centre, a GDR plattenbau building from 1969, was in serious need of renovation, a feasibility study deemed a new building to be a more economically viable solution. The new complex should blend in with the surrounding peripheral development and contribute to a harmonious cityscape. Two buildings are planned – each with a daycare facility for children on the ground and first floor as well as rooms for the city administration and social services.
Climate remediation as part of the mission
The surrounding area is already an are of intense urban overheating, part of a “climate remediation cluster” with a very high residental density. Accordingly, it is important to take measures with new buildings that improve the living situation for everyone and the climate resilience of the area.
Realisation
The method of “building simply” determines the design in all its part. It is precisely in their restraint that the two buildings will prove their worth in their heterogeneous surroundings. The urban planning approach respects the existing Gründerzeit-style structure by carefully complementing it – with consideration for noise protection and green spaces. The integration of the two-storey daycare facility for children on the exact site of the previous building not only allows for a sensible use of the existing building site, it also contributes to the preservation of the existing trees.
Urban development, flexible use
The beginning of the development along Pfaffendorfer Straße is initially turned by 90° and then turned slightly further in the direction of Ernst-Pinkert-Straße. This gives the façade facing the citsy the strength that a head-end building needs. The arrangement of the windows emphasises the corner design. A kink is created on Pfaffendorfer Straße which organises the long façade. Each use retains its individual address.
Features
The base of the building is clad with brick slips, which are bonded to the solid monolithic exterior wall. The good structural-physical properties of the exterior wall construction are retained. The plinth is set off in terms of design and is given a more robust surface facing the street. The brick slip cladding can be cut from old bricks that are left over from the demolition of the existing daycare centre building with external and internal walls made of bricks. This option corresponds to the basic idea of circular construction.
Coherently designed exterior surface
Feeling necessary due to the intensification of use is limited to what is absolutely unavoidable and is more than compensated for by numerous new plantings. Despite different responsibilities, the outdoor area is designed as a coherent whole. The fences are integrated into the design and can be used for play. The gardens of the day care facility are divided into a protected area for children with sand play and easy climbing and a more spacious area for the older children with climbing, swings and sand play.
“Overall, we strive to create friendly and lively, sustainable and flexible spaces that meet people’s needs and at the same time make a positive contribution of the conservation of natural resources.”
The services of 2226 GmbH
The architectural concept for the new buildings is based on the innovative Low Tech method 22·26, which dispenses with highly complex building services. Instead, proven construction techniques and materials are used to create a simple building with a cosy indoor climate and low energy consumption. A pleasant and healthy indoor climate is achieved through intelligent building control and sensor-controlled window ventilation – without complex technical systems.
Solid construction, clever geometry
The architectural concept for the new buildings is based on the innovative Low Tech method 22·26, which dispenses with highly complex building services. Instead, long proven construction techniques and materials are used to create a simple building with a cosy indoor climate and low energy consumption. A pleasant and healthy indoor climate is achieved through intelligent building control and sensor-controlled window ventilation – without complex technical systems.
Floor plan & black map © h.e.i.z.Haus – Architectur. Urban planning
Visualisation © Office Lindenkreuz Eggert
