Učenjak Kindergarten Renovation and Extension by od-do architecture + Navor: A Sustainable and Playful Approach to Early Childhood Architecture in Ljubljana

Reimagining Early Childhood Spaces with Vision and Purpose

The Učenjak Kindergarten Renovation and Extension in Ljubljana redefines how kindergartens are designed, combining historical sensitivity with sustainable, child-centered design. Originally built in the 1970s by post-war kindergarten pioneer Jože Dobrin, the building has undergone a series of careful transformations—first by architect Gorazd Ravnikar, and more recently by od-do architecture and Navor—to meet the evolving spatial and social needs of early education.

Distinct Identity Through Organic Forms and Materials

Departing from the generic box-like typologies of institutional education buildings, the kindergarten now showcases a unique architectural language:

• Brick façades infused with playful color contrasts
• Green-framed windows that animate the exterior
• Exposed timber volumes that bring warmth and tactile engagement to the built form

This composition celebrates the building’s organic architectural growth, reflecting influences from postmodernism, yet moving towards a more contemporary, inclusive interpretation of space.

A Strategic and Sustainable Expansion

The renovation didn’t just focus on aesthetics; it addressed core spatial deficiencies. The original floor plan was reorganized and expanded through two new timber-clad wings, introducing:

• Three new classrooms with floor-to-ceiling glazing
• Common play spaces for interaction and creativity
• A bright distribution kitchen and restructured locker rooms

To ensure sustainability and low environmental impact, the extensions were constructed using Sylva™ CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) products by Stora Enso, combining solid wall and column systems with steel reinforcements to seamlessly join the new volumes with the existing concrete structure.

Thoughtful Circulation and Child-Centered Access

The architects introduced separate age-specific entrances, protected by generous canopies and complemented with built-in benches. Internally, the circulation was clarified by aligning shared play areas and locker zones along two primary corridors. One of the most impactful changes was the transformation of the original locker room area into a social core of the building—an inviting, light-filled hub that encourages movement and interaction.

Landscape Integration and Outdoor Learning

By acquiring additional land toward the north, the kindergarten now includes:

• New parking facilities
• A surrounding green buffer zone
• Enhanced outdoor play areas, supporting holistic development

This outdoor expansion ensures a strong connection to nature and aligns with contemporary pedagogical values in early education.

Architectural Recognition

The project’s blend of innovation, sustainability, and sensitivity has earned it the Golden Pencil Award from the Chamber of Architecture and Spatial Planning of Slovenia, affirming its importance as a model for future educational architecture in the region.

All Photographs are works of Ana Skobe