Punkaharju day-care center

The Punkaharju day-care center is a colourful and surprising building opening to an extensive, verdant playground. The heart of the day-care center is the multipurpose Aula (Lobby) bathing in natural light, around which are grouped colourful entrance halls of children's groups and common use spaces.

Spatially the new day-care centre is experiential and nuanced. A child can experience the light expanse of a high space or climb to the low twilight of a play loft. The premises are multipurpose, so that a space can be in different uses depending on the time of day and season.

The façades of the timber-framed day-care centre are of timber cladding and plywood. In the interiors, a lot of transparent-coloured birch plywood, horizontal cladding and timber lathing have been used to create a warm and cosy mood. Natural and warm-toned materials and an ample use of sunlight promote health and a safe life. Acoustically pleasant and peaceful spaces help children concentrate on their tasks.

The Punkaharju day-care centre was rewarded for its architecture as the only Finnish day-care centre in the international "Making Space 2010 Architectural Award - architecture and design for children and young people" competition in Scotland.