Kindergarten by BauLab Prof. Rainer Hirth – Coburg University of Applied Science and Arts, Pinzberg, Germany
A climate-neutral modular kindergarten built from natural, reusable materials, demonstrating circular design, community participation, and minimal environmental impact in forest settings.
The Kindergarten prototype in Pinzberg, Germany, developed by BauLab under Prof. Rainer Hirth at Coburg University of Applied Science and Arts, represents a radical rethinking of educational architecture through sustainability, circularity, and environmental responsibility. Designed as a Waldkindergarten (forest kindergarten), the 60 m² structure accommodates 20 children while demonstrating a fully climate-neutral and energy self-sufficient building model.
At its core, the project is conceived as a mobile modular system, capable of being assembled, dismantled, and relocated with minimal environmental impact. This flexibility reflects a broader shift toward adaptive architecture—buildings that respond to changing needs without permanent alteration to the landscape.
One of the defining aspects of the project is its cradle-to-cradle philosophy. Every material used in construction is either reusable, biodegradable, or locally sourced. The building is assembled exclusively with screws—avoiding nails, adhesives, or sealants—allowing each component to be disassembled and reused without degradation. This approach ensures that the building leaves no lasting footprint once removed.
Material selection reinforces this ecological commitment. The structure is built using untreated timber sourced directly from the surrounding area, including beetle-affected wood that would otherwise go to waste. This not only reduces transportation emissions but also gives new value to locally available resources.
The walls are insulated with 35 cm thick straw bales, providing excellent thermal performance while remaining entirely biodegradable. Once the building reaches the end of its lifecycle, the straw can be returned to the soil, completing a natural cycle. Interior surfaces are finished with clay plaster sourced from a nearby clay pit, enhancing indoor air quality while maintaining a natural, tactile atmosphere.
Structurally, the building employs an exoskeleton system, elevating the volume above the ground. This design minimizes disturbance to the soil, protects local ecosystems, and ensures resilience against flooding. By lifting the building, the architecture becomes lighter in both physical and ecological terms, reinforcing its temporary and reversible nature.
The construction process itself is also part of the educational philosophy. Designed as a hands-on building site, children and parents actively participated in the construction, fostering a deeper understanding of materials, sustainability, and collective responsibility. This participatory approach transforms the building into both a learning environment and a learning process.
Internally, the space is simple, warm, and tactile. Exposed timber surfaces, natural light, and soft clay finishes create a calm and nurturing environment that supports the developmental needs of children. The design avoids unnecessary complexity, focusing instead on essential qualities such as comfort, adaptability, and connection to nature.
Ultimately, this kindergarten is more than a building—it is a prototype for future sustainable architecture. By combining circular construction methods, local materials, and community engagement, BauLab demonstrates how educational spaces can actively contribute to environmental stewardship. The project challenges conventional building practices, proposing a model where architecture becomes part of a regenerative cycle rather than a source of environmental impact.
