Hakusui Nursery School: A Large House for Little Minds

Architect Kentaro Yamazaki's Innovative Design Wins Silver A' Design Award

The concept of the Hakusui Nursery School was born from the idea that a nursery school should be a large house. Nestled amongst mountains and forests, the school takes advantage of its sloping southern site to create a room resembling a large set of stairs. This unique design allows children of different ages to interact in a wide, one-room space, reinforcing the domestic qualities of the school.

Yamazaki's design prioritizes safety, minimizing blind spots within the room. Large sliding window frames along the northern and southern faces, coupled with the space created by the slope, allow for natural ventilation. A small pond on the southern end, which collects rainwater and water from sprinklers installed on the southward-slanted roof, also contributes to the airflow, creating a space that is inseparable from its surrounding environment.

The Hakusui Nursery School is not just a place for children to learn, but also a hub of community welfare. An observation stage fosters sociability among parents, while the school also encourages interaction with the local elderly population in cooperation with a nearby elderly nursing home. This innovative approach to design has not only attracted parents but also contributed to the school's commercial success.

Yamazaki's design is a testament to the rich topography of Japan, creating valuable formative experiences for children. The nursery school opens itself to the wind, the rain, and the sunlight, fostering an understanding and attachment to the regional culture. This approach to design, rooted in the regional geography, serves as an example of typical Asian facility development.

The Hakusui Nursery School is a shining example of Yamazaki's innovative approach to design, earning him a Silver A' Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Yamazaki's design certainly fits this bill, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.