FACT BOOK ON CHILD-FRIENDLY BATHROOMS BATHROOMS FOR GROWING AND LEARNING

SAFETY AND CREATIVITY Buildings and their positive influence on children The best way for pre-school children to develop and learn is in a safe and secure environment. Architecture, style and design play an essential role in this regard, arousing children's playful curiosity and giving them a sense of orientation. It was on this basis that Villeroy & Boch developed its O.novo Kids collection for, and with, children. This collection was created in close collaboration with educators, architects and designers, offering a wide variety of options to encourage children to learn intuitively. LEGAL INFORMATION...

Education and architecture Development of O.novo Kids Colours and function Ergonomics Hygiene Ennepetal-Voerde property report Economics interview Saarlouis property report Education interview Product overview i

ORIENTATION AND SPACE Why children prefer a clear architectural style, and what levels of flexibility and openness spaces should offer... Today, nursery school education means much more than simply looking after children and keeping them busy. It is part of the education system. This also has an impact on the architecture. Children should enjoy taking part in activities, creating and trying things out so that they can use their imagination and develop their personality. It is therefore important for architects to create inspiring learning environments which help children to become familiar with...

LEARNING TOGETHER O.novo Kids offers more than good ceramics and matching ergonomics. The experts from Villeroy & Boch took children's perspectives into account during intensive workshops with the young users. With children for children A high-quality bathroom collection for children that combines fun with functionality. That was the brief that the product developers at Villeroy & Boch were given. In consultation with all parties, a collection was to be created, the intuitive and child-friendly design of which would encourage children's natural development. Naturally, the highest hygiene standards...

COLOURS AND FUNCTION Can architecture be too colourful?

The “colourfulness” of children When choosing colours for a nursery school, most educators recommend a concrete allocation of colours, such as the use of subdued colours in recreational areas. In this way, colours are not overloaded and the children's own “colourfulness” is encouraged to develop freely. However, entrance areas and halls are allowed to be more striking and to feature a high-contrast design. Conversely, in areas designed for relaxation and sleeping, strong contrasts would contradict their function. Primary colours aid orientation. The O.novo Kids children's range applies this approach,...

CHILD-FRIENDLY ERGONOMICS Designs for children can do more... THE RIGHT HEIGHT AND DEPTH ACHIEVABLE WITH SIGNAL EFFECTS Children learn quickly and intuitively choose the right object to use in the bathroom. The projecting washbasin is adapted to the arm lengths of children in different age groups. Flushing the toilet is twice as easy for kids. Even on its own, the bright colour indicates that “something is going on here”. At the same time, the flush plates are easily accessible. A special ViConnect element guarantees safe mounting at the right height. Child-friendly seat height: 35 cm THE “RIGHT”...

Children develop a sense for personal hygiene both under adult guidance and by chatting to other children in the group. It's important that the equipment and design in wet areas enable and promote learning through play by giving children a sense of mastery. Of course, not everything goes right first time. That's why the shape and surface of bathroom ceramics play a crucial role in improving hygiene. Tests have shown that through their antibacterial action, the silver ions in the glazing inhibit bacterial growth by more than 99.9%. As a result, the use of chemical cleaning agents can be reduced....

NEW CONSTRUCTION: WALDORF NURSERY SCHOOL, ENNEPETAL-VOERDE (GERMANY) NATURAL BUILDING MATERIALS FOR CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT “Real opportunities for growth” in a feel-good atmosphere. Materio and RSArchitekten win the competition for three different nursery schools thanks to an unusual project approach based on a bright idea!

Designing floor plans Timber frame construction offers maximum freedom when it comes to designing floor plans. This was one of the many reasons for RSA and Materio's close cooperation. In the course of an investor competition for three nursery schools organised in the Ruhr region of Germany by the Ennepetal local authorities, Materio came out on top with its design for a functional and ecological building, and was awarded the contract to build all three nursery schools based at different sites. Forward-looking construction method Ansicht West Front view The timber frame construction method fits...

NEW CONSTRUCTION: WALDORF NURSERY SCHOOL, ENNEPETAL-VOERDE (GERMANY) Direct access to the garden The nursery school offers space for 4 groups, each with direct access to the outdoor area. Large windows with very low sills give the children an unhindered view of the enclosed, open area outside. Friendly and functional The Waldorf Nursery School building is functional, and thus fulfils the sponsor's educational requirements. This was discussed and arranged during several workshops and planning meetings with everyone involved. The natural building materials used and the energy concept comply with...

Waldorf Nursery School, Ennepetal-Voerde www.waldorfkindergarten-hagen.de/ kindergaerten Materio Holzbau GmbH START OF CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION PERIOD (BUILDING SHELL): BUILDING SHELL: INAUGURATION: Orientation and function The main part of the building is south-facing while the bathroom and toilet areas are north-facing. In line with the philosophy behind Waldorf education, facilities encouraging learning through play can be found throughout the entire establishment. Of course, this also includes the four wet rooms allocated to the group areas. With signal colours, the taps, fittings and toilet...