Olufemi Moser Architects

Originally, the municipality of Garching planned only to build a new daycare center. However, during the planning process, they decided to expand the project to include twelve residential units in order to make the profession of educators more attractive in light of the high rental prices in the Greater Munich area. The combination of a kindergarten and residential building creates significant social value. Flowing transitions and communal areas allow residents to actively participate in shaping the building. A strong connection to the outside world supports this concept: courtyards between the group rooms, terraces on the first floor, generous walkways, and diverse garden areas create a tangible link between living and working. Despite the mixed-use nature, the kindergarten and the apartments each have separate addresses.

The Garching Children’s House, completed in 2019, is located in an urban development area and harmoniously integrates in height and volume with the existing neighborhood. A plaza on the southern side of the street connects the building to public spaces via courtyards and play areas. The four-group kindergarten extends across the ground floor and the first floor, where four of the total twelve apartments are also located; the remaining eight apartments are on the second floor. All units have an area of 45 square meters. The generously designed walkways in the residential area are designed for communal use as extended terraces. Large glass surfaces blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Natural, durable materials such as concrete, wood, and linoleum used in the interior not only create a warm and inviting atmosphere but also stimulate the tactile senses of children. The deliberate use of untreated materials also contributes to sustainability: resources were used efficiently, significantly reducing the effort, as well as the construction time and costs.

The building is heated environmentally friendly via district heating. The return water from the surrounding apartments connected to the district heating network is utilized. To supply the building despite the low supply temperatures, all residential units are equipped with fresh water stations. On the roof, which features a poppy flower meadow, solar panels have also been installed. Strategically placed vents on the sliding windows allow for natural ventilation of the building at night. Wherever possible, composite materials have been avoided to facilitate future dismantling of the building.