Children’s Forest is a daycare center nestled on a small forested hill near Mount Fuji, designed to serve children aged 0 to 5 years.
Originally, the site was covered with cypress trees. Sunlight filters through the sparse branches, casting light bubbles across the ground. This inspired the creation of a gently illuminated space within the forest.
The natural terrain, including undulating slopes and small hills rising 3 to 4 meters on the western side, has been preserved. We believe these features offer a natural environment where children can engage deeply with their surroundings during their education.
The facility’s rooms and amenities for each age group—including spaces for temporary caregivers and teacher lounges—are designed as independent cube units situated on different ground levels and oriented at varying angles.
Each unit boasts its own unique landscape, enveloped by diverse natural surroundings. In front of the terrace for children aged 2 to 5, a wide grassy area allows kids to run freely. An 8-meter-high iconic tree serves as a gathering spot where children can sit beneath its shade or climb a small hill featuring a tunnel.
Rooms that require a quiet ambiance are surrounded by forests and trees. From the courtyard adjacent to the main hall, children can observe the ever-changing colors of the sky reflected on the treetops.
The opposite side of each room connects inward via ramps leading to a central space or courtyard. This creates an indoor landscape where children can safely play, crawl, and climb, even during unfavorable weather conditions.
At the center of the complex is a multifunctional hall accommodating up to 150 people, surrounded by the room units. This central location allows children and staff to easily gather for daily activities and games.
Although the hall is largely covered by a roof, gaps between the roof and the varying heights of surrounding volumes, along with openings along the eaves, allow natural light and greenery to flow into the space, fostering a strong visual and physical connection between the indoor environment and nature.
From the lobby, visitors can access an open courtyard with a wooden platform, offering a safe and cozy playground, especially suited for younger children who are not yet ready to explore larger fields.
On the opposite side of the hall, more active children can enjoy climbing boulders connected to the elevated backyard, surrounded by lush forest.
By integrating the rich natural environment, this children’s garden aims to provide a warm and healthy space for growth, creating lasting memories inspired by the forest surroundings.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Aerial View
△ Section Diagram
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
- Architect: Guicheng Yamashita Architectural Design
- Area: 1008 m²
- Project Year: 2023
- Photographer: Kai Nakamura
- Conceptual Architect: Takashige Yamashita
- Project Management: YoungAh Kang
- Structural Engineer: Hiraiwa Structural Consultants
- MEP Engineer: Nagano Engineering
- General Contractors: Usuko Sangyo, Tonbo Sougo Kensetsu
- Location: Gotemba, Japan
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