Sky Castle Kindergarten

Sky Castle Kindergarten

SoBA

Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist

ARCHITECTS
Soba

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Ruo Wang, Haiyin Tang

DESIGN TEAM
Chuanzhang Li, Zhexuan Liao, Yunxuan Xiao, Lu Kong

MANUFACTURERS
Cks, Nippon Paint

ARCHITECTURE OFFICES
Suzhou Zhongxing Huahan Architectural Design Co., Ltd.

PHOTOGRAPHS
Arch-exist

AREA
10000 M²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Su Zhou Shi, China

CATEGORY
Educational Architecture, Kindergarten

Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist

Text description provided by architect.

Kunshan Huaqiao, a key area in the Yangtze River Delta, has quickly transformed into a modern district with a global outlook.

The client aims to establish a standout architectural feature, the Sky Castle Kindergarten, to showcase the area's openness and diversity while enriching spaces for children's learning and play.

Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist
Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist

Inspired by the expansive sky, our design features "cloud" shapes that create a unique "Sky Castle" for kids, providing a sense of shelter from the surrounding high-rises and potential future developments.

The design includes various outdoor activity courtyards linked to classrooms, topped with a hyperbolic roof that resembles clouds, and a white façade that complements vibrant rainbow runways.

The dreamy pink staircase meets fire safety codes while sparking children's imaginations. We've consolidated the main entrance, vehicle access, and fire exit on the eastern side to maximize the campus space, with parking to the north and logistics access to the west.

Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist
Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist

The "cloud" clusters are oriented to maximize natural light, with classrooms on the southern sides for plenty of sunshine. Administrative offices are located near the main entrance, and specialized classrooms are spread throughout the building.

The roof design combines flat and double-curved surfaces, using parametric design to manage details during fabrication, keeping costs in check and simplifying construction.

Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist
Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist

Outdoor spaces embrace a "rainbow" theme, featuring a semi-circular courtyard at the entrance and a central courtyard with sandpits and slides. A winding rainbow pathway encourages kids to run and play, with a nearby rest area for teachers.

The design focuses on children's development, incorporating accessible entrances, wide hallways, and age-appropriate features like low sinks and toilets.

Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist
Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist

The flexible, spacious multipurpose area can accommodate a variety of activities and community gatherings. By involving relevant stakeholders in the design process, we create a sense of ownership among future users.

To speed up construction, we modularized classroom units, and a smart building management system optimizes energy use.

Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist
Sky Castle Kindergarten
© Arch-Exist

The landscape design includes a rainwater collection system, grey water recycling, and rain gardens to improve the environment, reduce stormwater runoff, and boost biodiversity within the kindergarten.


Sky Castle Kindergarten
Sky Castle Kindergarten


Sky Castle Kindergarten
Conceptual Sketch
Sky Castle Kindergarten
Conceptual Sketch


Sky Castle Kindergarten
Elevation Plan Diagam
Sky Castle Kindergarten
Massing Diagram


Sky Castle Kindergarten
Ground Floor Plan
Sky Castle Kindergarten
2nd Floor Plan
Sky Castle Kindergarten
3rd Floor Plan
Sky Castle Kindergarten
Site Plan


Sky Castle Kindergarten
South Elevation
Sky Castle Kindergarten
Section
Sky Castle Kindergarten
Axonometry