Molewa
is the name of a new masterplan for a city to be constructed in Ruichang in Jiangxi province in China. In response to an open call, we proposed to design a kindergarten to be located on the site.
Concept & Plan Layout
Despite the plot’s limited size, we chose to keep the buildings’ footprint small and divide the program over several floors. This made it possible to create a qualitative outdoor space.
The program is divided into two opposing buildings on the edges of the plot. In between the buildings is a communal outdoor garden which is orientated to the south. The outdoor space is lifted one floor above ground level to provide privacy and create a continuous plinth.
Architecture and materialisation
The classrooms of the kindergarten are wrapped around a communal space. The communal spaces are connected over the different levels through a system of stairs, slides and tribunes. The atrium is used for capturing light, cooling and ventilation. Sliding doors between classes and the corridor create the possibility to open the floor up for group activities. The square shape of the classrooms is ideal for various furniture arrangements. Each classroom is fitted with a sanitary block and personal flower garden.
The load-bearing structures create an open plan and are a direct expression of the program. The south orientation of the roof is used to generate warm water and electricity through solar panels. Rainwater is recuperated. The atrium is used for natural ventilation. The thermal mass of the walls and ceilings in exposed concrete is used for night cooling.
