Project Overview

This document details multiple architectural projects focused on designing and constructing kindergartens and schools using sustainable, natural materials, primarily wood. The projects span Italy, Slovenia, and Belarus, emphasizing eco-friendly construction, energy efficiency, and child-friendly environments.

1. Project Descriptions and Specifications

• Small School ‘L. G. Antonini’ (Morazzone, Italy): Built in 2007 using RIKO LMS massive wooden walls and wood fiber insulation, featuring plastered facade. Designed to create a magical, natural environment for children.
• Kindergarten ‘Castiglioni’ (Bregnano, Italy): Completed 2007 with RIKO system, massive wooden walls, wood fiber insulation, and larch facade. Two atrium buildings totaling 600 m², fully wooden interiors and exteriors. Nominated for Leafawards 2007.
• Sports Kindergarten Vesnjanka (Minsk, Belarus): Built 2015 with RIKO PLUS T 240 wooden frame, mineral wool insulation, larch and Alucobond facade. First Belarusian kindergarten built to EU standards, A+ energy certification, multifunctional furniture.
• Kindergarten Ribnica (Slovenia): Constructed 2012-2014 in phases, steel frame with wood fiber and stone wool insulation, larch facade. Large low-energy facility with 20 groups, designed for phased expansion.
• Kindergarten ‘Asilo Nido Calci’ (Calci, Italy): Built 2012 using RIKO LMS system, massive wooden walls, wood fiber insulation, larch facade. Low-energy, energy self-sufficient 600 m² building for 57 children.
• Kindergarten ‘Jelka’ Extension (Ljubljana, Slovenia): Completed 2010 with RIKO PLUS wooden frame, mineral wool insulation, larch combined with Lexan Thermoclick and Swisspearl facade. Built on narrow urban plot with outdoor terrace and playground.
• Kindergarten ‘Il Paese dei Colori’ (Marano sul Panaro, Italy): Built 2007 with RIKO LMS massive wooden walls, wood fiber insulation, plastered facade. Named after an Italian fairy tale, promoting creativity and well-being. Awarded for social responsibility.
• School Fornacette (Calcinaia, Italy): Completed 2009 using RIKO LMS system, massive wooden walls, wood fiber insulation, plastered facade. Emphasizes warmth, natural materials, fast construction, and energy efficiency.
• Kindergarten Gozdiček (Murska Sobota, Slovenia): Built 2013-2014 with RIKO PLUS 200 wooden frame, mineral wool and wood fiber insulation. Connected to existing masonry, accommodates 11 groups (242 children), uses certified healthy materials.
• Kindergarten ‘Kekec’ Extension (Ljubljana, Slovenia): Completed 2010 with RIKO PLUS wooden frame, mineral wool insulation, plastered facade with colorful rotating wooden lamellas encouraging creativity.
• Kindergarten ‘Stella’ (Modena, Italy): Built 2004-2005 using RIKO LMS massive wooden walls, wood fiber insulation, larch facade. Prefabricated technology enabled rapid assembly (15 days). Awarded for sustainability and social responsibility.

2. Construction Systems and Materials

All projects employ RIKO construction systems: LMS (massive wooden walls) or RIKO PLUS (wooden frame). Insulation uses natural materials like wood fiber and mineral wool for eco-friendliness and indoor air quality. Facades vary from plastered finishes to larch wood and modern composites (Alucobond, Lexan Thermoclick, Swisspearl). The focus is on energy efficiency, sustainability, and healthy indoor environments.

3. Architectural and Environmental Considerations

Designs prioritize natural light, acoustic insulation, and seamless connection to outdoor spaces such as playgrounds and terraces. Architectural elements include multifunctional furniture, amphitheater staircases, and colorful rotating facade lamellas to stimulate creativity and comfort. Many buildings have received awards recognizing sustainability, social responsibility, and architectural innovation.

4. Project Execution and Timelines

Construction durations range from a few months to over a year, with some projects executed in phases to accommodate growth. Prefabrication and modular construction techniques enable rapid on-site assembly, minimizing disruption and ensuring quality control.

5. Client and Community Impact

Clients include municipalities, private companies, and community groups focused on improving childcare quality and employee well-being. The projects demonstrate commitment to sustainable development, energy savings, and nurturing environments for children, aligning with broader social and environmental responsibility goals.

Critical Information and Best Practices

• Use of natural, renewable materials (wood, wood fiber insulation) to enhance sustainability and indoor air quality.
• Energy-efficient designs achieving certifications such as A+ energy rating.
• Modular and prefabricated RIKO LMS and RIKO PLUS systems for quality, speed, and flexibility.
• Architectural features promoting child creativity, comfort, and connection to nature.
• Phased construction approaches to allow future expansion and budget management.
• Close collaboration among architects, contractors, and clients to tailor solutions to local needs and regulations.

Modena Tetra Pak Nursery Case Study

This nursery exemplifies the integration of architectural innovation with pedagogical goals, designed as an active environment supporting child development. Constructed entirely from natural, ecological materials, it reflects Tetra Pak's commitment to health and sustainability.

Designed by ZPZ Partners and built within five months, the project used prefabricated wooden elements manufactured by Riko Hiše in Slovenia and assembled on-site in Modena. The nursery fosters children's talents, curiosity, and expressive abilities through its architectural and educational integration.

Key Perspectives

• "Creating an environment from healthy and natural materials was a goal of Tetra Pak, realized with the help of Riko Hiše." – Ivano Selmi
• "The spirit of Tetra Pak, characterized by innovation, creativity, and teamwork, inspires the nursery and its young attendees."
• "The architectural and pedagogical integration forms a space that supports children gifted with numerous talents." – Michele Zini

Contact Information

Riko Hiše d.o.o.
Bizjanova 2, 1000 Ljubljana
Phone: +386(0)1 83 72 610
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.riko-hise.si