New Vibrant Kindergarten Encourages Movement

The project is located in the scenic municipality of Eystur. It will create the daily framework for 104 children, in both daycare and kindergarten. The surrounding landscape is hilly; this gave us the opportunity of letting the landscape gently drape the building to create a vibrant kindergarten. All roof surfaces are active surfaces and will be used for play, movement and challenges. The ambition was to create a kindergarten that breaks with the traditional notion of one building and a single outdoor area. In GJÁI the children’s day will become full of physical challenges and activities that unfold on the many green roofs and play areas that are inserted into the landscape.

The 1.300 m2 daycare will appear to be growing out of the landscape with south and east facing facades that provide beautiful views. We have designed two ravines north of the daycare. They draw nature from the surrounding landscape onto the roofscapes while opening up the landscape in a way that allows the largest possible amount of daylight to find its way into the buildings. This area will be peaceful and protected with accommodation for prams. Here, small children can sleep under both roofs and tree crowns without being disturbed by bad weather and noisy activities on the playgrounds.