Nursery Harlekijntje

The project expanded the public nusery "Harlekijntje," in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, from 26 to 54 places. The site, shared with the municipal kindergarten "De Boomhut" and a new French-language library, is surrounded by greenery and a large public housing development. The temporary container units that once housed the center at the back of the site were replaced by a newly constructed building.

The project involved the construction of a permanent childcare facility, designed to preserve and enhance the green, open character of the site. The new building was discreetly positioned at the rear, adjacent to the garden wall. It consists of a compact, above-ground structure and a larger, semi-underground floor that opens onto a sunken garden area. The ground floor housed the reception, administration, and staff areas, while the semi-underground floor contained three large living groups for children and a spacious indoor play area. These living groups, with full-length windows, overlooked the sunken garden. To avoid overheating, the semi-underground level was oriented to avoid direct southern exposure, allowing for extensive glazing without excess heat. The above-ground structure, with its green roof, did not exceed the height of the garden wall, blending naturally into the landscape. A close connection with the kindergarten "De Boomhut" was an important part of the design.

The main access to the building is via a newly constructed path made of deactivated concrete, leading visitors across the roof of the semi-underground level to the covered entrance. Upon entering through a spacious entrance hall, visitors arrive at the reception area, which includes spaces for the secretariat and the director. From this area, a large opening (vide) provides a clear view of the indoor play street on the lower floor.

On the left side of the ground floor are practical spaces, including an elevator, staff rooms with sanitary facilities, and a laundry room. On the right side are the director’s office, secretarial area, storage rooms, kitchen, and an outdoor container space. A staircase in the central opening leads to the semi-underground level, which houses all child-related rooms and technical spaces.

The building's layout and materials were chosen to minimize visual impact and harmonize with the natural surroundings. The above-ground pavilion, visible from the street, was constructed using green-pigmented concrete and aluminum window frames. The roof of the semi-underground floor was covered with landscaping, helping it blend into the terrain. A concrete path led to the entrance, with steel railings guiding visitors to the building.

The garden area is fully permeable, promoting proper drainage, and five new native trees were planted in the sunken garden. The slope leading to the school playground was planted with low, non-toxic shrubs, and additional trees were planted at ground level. After construction, the site was landscaped to fully integrate the semi-underground structure into the terrain, ensuring that the building blended seamlessly with the surrounding green space, providing an ideal environment for the childcare center.