Dezeen Magazine

Kindergarten Susi Weigel by Bernardo Bader built from timber and concrete

Huge round cushions in shades of mustard yellow and cornflower blue add colour to the pale concrete and timber interior of this kindergarten in western Austria by local studio Bernardo Bader Architects (+ slideshow).

Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects

Bernardo Bader Architects designed Kindergarten Susi Weigel for the small mountain town of Bludenz and named it after the late children's book writer and illustrator Susi Weigel, who lived and worked locally until her death in 1990.

Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects

The two-storey building has a raw concrete structure, which is left exposed in parts of the interior. The architects sourced local fir to clad the outer walls and used acacia wood to line interior surfaces.

Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects

The entrance to the kindergarten sits within a wide recess at the northern corner of the building, leading into a central lobby where children can hang up their coats and bags.

Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects

A row of glass doors forms a second entrance to this space, leading out to a playground lawn at the side of the building, while a wooden staircase provides a clear route up to the first floor.

Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects

Spaces are divided up into different zones to create five classes. There are two on the ground floor and three upstairs, each with their own storages areas and toilets.

Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects

The ground floor also features a sub-dividable space that functions as a canteen or group activity area, as well as a small office and meeting room.

Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects

Glass doors create visibility through the building and are embellished with illustrations from Weigel's books.

Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects

Photography is by Archive Architects.

Site plan of Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects
Site plan - click for larger image
Ground floor plan of Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects
Ground floor plan - click for larger image
First floor plan of Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects
First floor plan - click for larger image
Section of Kindergarten Susi-Weigel by Bernardo Bader Architects
Section - click for larger image