Day nursery Stresemannstraße 26

When the diggers rolled in to demolish the dilapidated Eberstadt indoor swimming pool, it was a bitter loss for many Eberstadt residents. After all, the pool and sauna were an Eberstadt institution. Since 2011, another institution has stood in the place of the pool, and many residents of the neighbourhood would not want to be without it either: the Stresemannstraße crèche, which was set up to improve the childcare situation in the U3 sector and thus also the living environment for families.

The project was launched in 2010 as a result of the "Eberstadt-Süd action plan" adopted by bauverein AG in the same year and was partly financed with funds from the "Socially Integrative City" programme. The building complex, designed by architects Freischlad + Holz, consists of three structures: a one-storey, a two-storey and an elevated hall area. Together they enclose an inner courtyard with a large sand playground and wooden terrace. The flat building complex blends in perfectly with its surroundings without being faceless. On the contrary: the well-designed rooms open up views of the beautiful wooden terrace and invite children to play. bauverein AG also attached great importance to bright rooms and spacious communication areas in this childcare centre. The foyer of the building serves as a meeting point and play area, while the adjoining hall can also be used for public and neighbourhood events.

While the single-storey building houses the administrative offices, the two-storey building accommodates the group rooms for a maximum of 46 children. A practical feature for the little guests: thanks to underfloor heating, the floor can also be used as a play area in winter. An eye-catching feature is the enclosed tree integrated into the entrance area. The crèche was honoured in 2011 as part of the "ZUSAMMEN GEBAUT" competition.

Photos: © Gregor Schuster, www.gregorschuster.de; © Frank Seifert, www.frank-seifert.com