In the shadow of a historical mansion and its adjacent gardens, a new care facility takes shape, gently extending the site’s legacy into a future-proof ensemble of care, play and support. Surrounded by winding paths, mature greenery and gently sloping lawns, the building nestles into an English Garden-like typology of open garden rooms. Here, a new constellation of care emerges. Kinderkasteeltje brings together three child-focused programs: a daycare, an after-school care centre, and a centre for childcare and family support. Each is given its own architectural identity, while collectively forming a cluster of pavilions that sit gently within the landscape. When the children move out of the old mansion, a new castle will be awaiting them.
Rather than forming a single institutional mass, the three buildings remain distinct, each responding to the scale and rhythm of its users. The ensemble is carefully embedded in the landscape: low, articulated volumes nestle into the greenery, engaging with the character of the historic estate. A shared material palette of blue-toned brick provides cohesion, while subtle colour accents mark individual entrances. The result is a spatially varied yet coherent group of structures.
The after-school care centre adopts a radial layout, with three main playrooms extending from a central foyer. This configuration supports intuitive movement and visual connection across the groups. Staff spaces, a consultation room, and resting areas are located on the upper floor, removed from the daily activity but closely linked to it.
At the core of the building, a wide internal corridor functions as a central spine, connecting the various programs and structuring daily routines. Along this spine, the daycare groups branch out with one side facilitating staff functions and the other fostering playrooms and sleeping areas. A light-filled niche marks the entrance to every unit, offering a sense of orientation and belonging. The four groups are paired two-by-two, with shared sanitary zones and sliding doors that allow for flexible interaction between them.
Set slightly apart, the centre for childcare and family support offers a quieter atmosphere. Its pentagonal form reflects the layered nature of its programme: daytime care, overnight stays, and shared living areas are organised around a central space. Each group has its own entrance, maintaining a degree of independence within the whole. Living spaces flow from open kitchen and dining zones to softer, more intimate areas. Along the perimeter, bedrooms are oriented toward the garden without compromising daylight in the core. A compact stairwell leads to the upper floor, where adaptable offices and meeting rooms accommodate the evolving needs of the organisation.
Together, these distinct yet connected buildings create an environment tailored to the needs of children and their caregivers. Each architectural gesture – whether spatial, material, or organisational – contributes to a setting that is both supportive and stimulating. Rather than imposing a fixed identity, the ensemble allows for flexibility, familiarity, and care to flourish.