Munich opens five-story wooden kindergarten designed for play

Munich has unveiled a unique five-story kindergarten, a testament to sustainable architecture, built entirely from wood. Designed by acclaimed architect Francis Kéré, the "Children's Oasis" is situated in the heart of the Bavarian capital and aims to provide a nurturing environment for 60 children of students and staff at the Technical University of Munich.

The structure occupies a site that had remained vacant since World War II. Its striking circular wooden design rises behind a facade of steel elements. The kindergarten embodies "green" building principles, utilizing timber sourced from Bavaria. For every tree felled to construct the building, a new one has been planted, underscoring a commitment to ecological balance.

“

The main idea of this building is play. To play again and again, to frolic, to run, to draw inspiration.

Architect Francis Kéré described the core philosophy behind the design during the handover ceremony: "The main idea of this building is play. To play again and again, to frolic, to run, to draw inspiration." This concept permeates the entire project, moving away from traditional long corridors. Instead, a central circular staircase connects the five floors, fostering a sense of exploration and movement. Two wooden slides offer a playful alternative for descending between levels, while a rooftop terrace with a "sky lawn" awaits children at the top.

Kéré refers to the kindergarten as a "vertical play space," designed to invite children into a world of discovery. The innovative design encourages movement and interaction, transforming the daily experience of attending kindergarten into an adventure. The project highlights how innovative design and sustainable materials can create inspiring and functional spaces for early childhood education.

“

vertical play space