▲ Project Video
Located at the intersection of Feicui Road and Qingnian Road in Feixi County, Hefei City, the site faces several challenges. Jade Road is a major highway nearby, and the local Ecological Environment Bureau is situated at the crossroads of Youth Road. To shield the kindergarten from the negative impacts of these surroundings, the design adopts a fully enclosed spatial layout.
Form generation © THDL
Top view © Songkai Liu
Snow scenery © SAN
To ensure ample sunlight for children’s activities, the main teaching area—a three-story building—is positioned on the north side facing south. It accommodates 12 classrooms, with adjoining functional rooms on both sides arranged in a stepped manner. The building’s overall form integrates ramps of varying heights oriented in different directions, linking the second and third-floor roofs to form a continuous outdoor activity platform. This design allows children on each floor to enjoy their own outdoor space while naturally interacting with peers on adjacent or upper levels. Inside, the building features a single-sided corridor layout to maximize natural light and ventilation efficiency.
Functional Analysis Diagram © THDL
Courtyard flying corridor and slide © THDL
Main entrance © Songkai Liu
Explosion axonometric diagram © THDL
The exterior facade features flowing white aluminum panels that create a smooth and rhythmic visual effect. Behind these, aluminum panels with wood grain transfer printing add warmth and delicate texture to the building. The hyperbolic aluminum plates were carefully optimized during development to balance modular fabrication with architectural expression. Atomized glass used in the armrests subtly defines the boundary between safety and artistic expression along the continuous roof.
Outer aluminum plate © THDL
Facade Aluminum Panel Analysis © THDL
Wall Detail © THDL
Interior facade and flying gallery © Songkai Liu
To enhance the fun factor, architectural design and landscaping are fully integrated in three dimensions, transforming the kindergarten into a playful paradise that children won’t want to leave. At the first-floor entrance, a low, open 16-meter-span space is created using a counter-beam. The ceiling of the two-story audiovisual multifunction room can be lowered to create a garden atmosphere. The flying corridors and slides in the courtyard, enclosed by the building volumes, form the highlight of outdoor activities. They seamlessly connect the roof activity spaces to the first-floor landscape, offering a multi-layered spatial experience.
Children can climb the flying corridor from the first-floor atrium to the second floor, greet friends through openings on the second floor, then slide back down. Alternatively, they can walk through the sloping garden to the top floor and slide back to the second floor.
Landscape zoning analysis © THDL
Entrance top view © Songkai Liu
Slide and flyover view © Songkai Liu
Aerial view of terraced fields © Southwestern Photography
Terraced fields people’s view © Southwestern Photography
The kindergarten’s overall footprint is modest, intentionally leaving space at the entrance area. This ensures ample room for parents to wait and say goodbye during drop-off and pick-up times, preventing traffic congestion during peak hours.
Entrance person view © Southwestern Photography
Main entrance on rainy days © SAN
The interior embraces a warm, soft candy color palette paired with curved forms to create a comforting and secure environment. The slender yet bold design caters perfectly to children’s imaginative world.
Hall © Feng Jian
Rest Area © Feng Jian
Hall © Feng Jian
Kindergarten model © THDL
Streamline analysis diagram © THDL
Project Drawings
▲ General Layout Plan
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
▲ Third Floor Plan
▲ Roof Floor Plan
▲ Exterior Elevation View
▲ Exterior Elevation View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Node Detail Diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Xuhui Doughnut Kindergarten
Architectural Firm: THDL (Tianhua Architectural Creation Studio)
Principal Architect: Ji Xin
Design Team: Ji Xin, Ge Jiaqi, Chen Zhiwen, Ye Huazhou, Huang Huahai
Project Location: Intersection of Feicui Road and Qingnian Road, Feixi County, Hefei City, Anhui Province
Project Completion Year: 2019
Building Area: 4,172 m²
Owner: Anhui Jiangxi Xuhui
Landscape Team: Shanshui Beide
Interior Design Team: Yan Yu Tang
Curtain Wall Consultant: Shanghai Shengsi Curtain Wall Design Co., Ltd
Photographers: Liu Songkai, Feng Jian, Southwest Photography
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