Alex Poulsen Architects is proud to present our competition proposal for the new daycare center Stenlængegård, the new district in Næstved Municipality. The project proposal was created for the competition issued by Næstved Municipality in the fall of 2023.

The little village

The design concept is based on creating multiple small, close-knit buildings that together form the illusion of a densely built "children's village." The primary users of the facility, children ages 0–6, are accommodated through an architectural design that scales down the building structure. Children are welcomed through separate entryways with low ceilings and a familiar, house-shaped spatial layout. The scale increases gradually throughout the complex according to the function of each space, with the main communal area being the most spacious part of the building.

Thoughtful material selection

The materials for the buildings have been chosen to prioritize environmental sustainability, safety, cost-effectiveness, patina, texture, and the architectural character of the project. To ensure a future-proof construction, we selected CO₂-reduced bricks and hydraulic lime mortar, enabling the bricks to be reused when the building is eventually dismantled. Green solutions are prioritized, as the project uses bio-based insulation materials, green roofs, and lightweight facades made of wood.

The chosen materials ensure a durable construction that takes inspiration from the forms and expressions found in nature. The material and color selections are intended to create a calm, warm, and informal atmosphere in the daycare, with a high level of tactile quality to benefit both children and adults.

Alex Poulsen Architects thanks the competition team for an exciting and productive collaboration, which included the contractor Hansen & Andersen A/S, BARA-land, and Artelia Denmark.

All visualizations by Alex Poulsen Architects.