Magic Garden is a competition entry for a children’s centre extension in a village in Northern Switzerland. On the 3,800 square meter plot, the architects propose a new 3-storey building that integrates all required functions into a single structure. Thoughtfully positioned between the existing listed building, preserved trees, and a sledding slope, the new building complements the site’s natural landscape. By defining boundaries along two access streets, it creates a sheltered play garden while enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The combination of the natural slope, large trees, new circular paths, and various play islands encourages children to explore, play, and enjoy the outdoors in a playful yet secluded environment.
Global Future Design Awards 2025: Entries Open!
Take your work to the next level. Register Now…
Gold 🏆 Winner
Global Future Design Awards 2024
Magic Garden
Educational Architecture (Concept)
Firm
Evolution Design
Architect/Designer
Evolution Design
Design Team
Carolin Michalka, Dariusz Florczak, Balazs Götz, Stuart Dickens
Location
Switzerland
Country
Switzerland
Photographer/Copyright
©Evolution Design
Website
www.evolution-design.info
Instagram
N/A
Construction and Materials
The three-storey building integrates the slope by incorporating it into the structure on one side and extending it with terraced levels on the other side. Technical components are discreetly concealed within the slope, remaining invisible to users.
The building features a highly sustainable and efficient load-bearing structure. The wooden skeleton allows for optimal adaptation to the complex floor plan geometry. Vertical load transfer is achieved through supports and beams made of glued laminated timber.
The interior spaces utilize a wooden ribbed ceiling system, while the corridor areas on the roof are supported by a bi-axial, point-supported cross-laminated timber ceiling. On the lower floors, concrete ceilings are employed in the corridor areas, also serving as retaining structures for the stepped floor plan.
The wooden facade is designed to honour the architectural language of the listed building while seamlessly integrating with the new structure. The existing building’s ornaments are echoed and reinterpreted, with prefabricated facade panels reflecting its proportions and colour palette. A greying finish on the panels complements the original ornamentation, creating a harmonious connection between old and new.
Inside, carefully selected materials provide a foundation for comfort, warmth, and security. The glazing establishes a strong connection to the outdoor space.
Organisational Concept
The 2,700 square meters of interior space are shaped by the building’s form. The ground floor accommodates children under 4, while the upper two floors are dedicated to 4–6-year-olds, offering a variety of play and learning spaces for both the kindergarten and after-school care. Offices on the first floor are strategically placed to provide staff with convenient access to both the crèche and day-care centre.
The potential use of the listed building as a neighbourhood meeting place or café further enhances its role as a community hub and gathering point for local residents.Sustainability
The building is designed to meet the Minergie-P-ECO standard and aims to achieve the SNBS Gold Standard (overall grade 5.0 or better). Emphasizing durability and sustainability, the construction utilizes a hybrid wood framework and wooden facade to minimize grey energy. Large window areas maximize daylight and enhance visual comfort. Additionally, planned photovoltaic panels on the roof will support fossil-free energy use and help meet SNBS requirements.