▼ Aerial view of the building, showcasing its distinctive “S” shape
Subaru Kindergarten, a daycare center relocated to the suburbs of Fukuoka, was designed to be exceptionally durable. Following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake in Japan, the client emphasized the need for a robust structure that ensures safety for children.
This kindergarten prioritizes physical education and accommodates two distinct age groups: younger children aged 0 to 2 years and older children aged 3 to 5 years. The building is thoughtfully divided to support age-appropriate physical activities tailored to each group’s developmental needs.
▼ Plan view
▼ Sectional drawing
▼ Outdoor activity areas
During a site visit, the architect discovered a small forest adjacent to a local shrine on the west side, offering views of expansive rice fields and Huali Mountain, as well as a panoramic mountain range to the northeast. These natural surroundings inspired a design that connects the kindergarten with its environment through BIM technology.
Two gardens are situated next to each nursery: one facing the sacred grove and the other overlooking the southern rice fields. The winding “S”-shaped building envelops these gardens, with administrative spaces, including teacher offices, positioned at key “nodes” where staff can oversee children’s activities. Additionally, a conference hall with a raised stage is located at one corner of the layout.
▼ Southeast aerial view highlighting the buildings and the small forest to the west
▼ Southwest aerial view showing the buildings and the distant mountain range
▼ View of the site facing the small forest
▼ View of the fields facing the rice paddies
▼ Conference hall with raised stage
When designing the roof, the architect considered the varied needs of the spaces below. Eaves extend 2 meters to protect the building against heavy rain and strong typhoon winds, while the conference hall stage requires a clearance height of over 4 meters.
The final design features a continuous envelope made of 180mm-thick concrete slabs, seamlessly merging walls and eaves into a smoothly rising, three-dimensional curved roof. This innovative design minimizes structural stress, spanning a column-free area 15 meters wide and 4 meters high, effectively integrating roof and walls into a cohesive whole.
▼ Undereaves area
▼ Interior spaces
▼ Raised roof over the stage conference hall
▼ View of the curved roof extending towards the rice fields on the east side
▼ Construction process of the 3D curved roof
From inside the hall, the distant mountain views framed by horizontal windows feel remarkably close. From outside, the undulating roof shape—designed using advanced algorithms—mirrors the natural contours of Hualingshan, creating a seamless landscape that blends the architecture with its surroundings.
Here, the architect realized the concept that “architecture is a continuous volume,” successfully integrating the building into the rich natural environment.
▼ Horizontal window framing the scenic mountains
The building’s form harmonizes with the surrounding mountain landscape
▼ Elevation view
Project Information:
Architectural Firm: RFA+CFA
Location: Fukuoka, Japan (BIM Work)
Project Type: Daycare Center
Total Area: 1,203.43 square meters
Lead Architects: Ryuji Fujimura, Shunji Hayashida
Year Completed: 2018
Photographer: Takumi Ota
Engineer: Eisuke Mitsuda
Site Area: 5,718.42 square meters
Building Footprint: 1,281.88 square meters
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