Education Development in Slovenia, Eastern Europe

Four-Leaf Clover Kindergarten 2010- Ofis Arhitekti Competition 2010, Commendation Navigation: Ribnica, Slovenia The plot of the building is a four-leaf clover from which each leaf represents one department with associated facilities. Entrance leads to the central part with the common areas, which are positioned and distributed in three floors: ground floor with the main entrance and outdoor central common play area/playgrounds for additional activities, first floor with administration/offices and underground level with kitchen, services and technical areas. The appearance of a kindergarten through its shape creates distinguishing yet integrated landmark in the middle of a meadow. Each leaf creates its own green bay which functions as intimate atrium for each children department. As such all surrounded landscape is designed as green playground platforms and small meadows. It is located on eastern and southern sunny part of the plot that offers sunlight through all day. Each playroom is connected with external playgrounds through covered wooden terrace. Bay play-gardens merge in between departments and create "a green effect" atmosphere inside the interior. The design of the garden with islands of green hills in a symbolic way summarizes the characteristics of the local countryside. Playrooms are oriented towards the south and have canopies and interior shades. All rooms are naturally ventilated; lateral orientation of departments allows good air ventilation. The spaces are concentrated, therefore energy losses are small, as well as material consumption during construction and maintenance. Lobby is combined with changing locks, additional playrooms are multipurpose areas. The material, structure and cladding are local and natural. The structure of the building is simple and economical; reinforced concrete cores with brick and wooden fillings. Finalization is mostly natural wood and paint on natural grounds. Selected material and design will allow a pleasant stay. Edited and rainwater tanks will be able to recycle hot water. The surface of the roof allows the installation of photovoltaic cells. Four-Leaf Clover Kindergarten - Building Information Location: Ribnica, Slovenia Type: Kindergarten Client: Community of Ribnica External green area: 11.500m2 Playgrounds: 7.800m2 Netto inner area: 3039m2 Brutto inner area: 3842 m2 No of external parking: 55 Percentage of build areas: 20% Budged: 1300EUR/m2 including furniture and finishing Exterior Finish: exposed concrete slabs, larch wood tiles, glass Project team: Rok Oman, Spela Videcnik Andrej Gregoric, Janez Martincic, Janja del Linz, Katja Aljaz Four-Leaf Clover Kindergarten images / information from Ofis Arhitekti