Studio YY has transformed the Forest Hill Kindergarten into a standalone, single-story wooden building nestled within a towering apartment complex. This renovation revitalizes a 50-year-old kindergarten, upgrading it to a certified daycare center.
Since the west side is the only section open to green space, the architect designed the kindergarten as a “hill” that overlooks this natural area. This design immerses children in nature, encouraging energetic learning through play.
Additionally, a small hill-shaped sloping roof faces the green space, designed as a playful area where children can run, climb, and explore. A playground is situated on top of this roof. The indoor spaces connect seamlessly with both indoor and outdoor areas, resembling a cave, allowing children to move freely between different environments.
Under the eaves, the nursery and forest hall face the green space side by side, creating a sense of separation from the surrounding residential buildings and immersing the kindergarten in a forest-like environment. Located centrally, the hall serves as an interactive space for local residents and parents alike.
The architect has effectively created a small hill within the forest, linking the sunny hillside rooftop playground with the teaching and outdoor activity areas below. This design transforms Forest Hill Kindergarten into a playful hill that fosters a stimulating learning atmosphere. The “forest playground” sparks children’s imagination, encouraging growth through active play. Features like cave walls and climbing columns invite children to explore different spaces curiously and learn about their environment from multiple perspectives.
Project Drawings
△ Hand-drawn sketch
△ Sectional perspective analysis
Project Information
Architectural Design: STUDIO YY
Area: 850 m²
Year: 2020
Photographer: GRAPHY Inc
Structural Engineering: Kenichi Inoue Structural Design Firm
Equipment: Wujing Equipment Research Institute
Location: Chiba City, Japan
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