Thoughtful Metamorphosis: Nursery 31 Reimagined

In an era increasingly defined by consumption, the default often leans towards discarding worn or damaged items rather than repairing them. Yet, the architectural studio Asman Pieniężny Architekci embraced an innovative, yet inherently fundamental, approach. Their mission: to sustainably and thoughtfully transform a Warsaw nursery, ensuring its vital function remained intact.

Conscious resource management and extending the lifespan of what already exists aren't just buzzwords; they're the bedrock of a sustainable future and a collective social imperative.

In architecture, this principle holds true. Experience consistently shows that the most ecological buildings are those designed to endure, evolving through adaptive modernizations rather than succumbing to demolition.

"As architects and urban planners, our focus increasingly shifts to breathing new life into existing structures, instead of resorting to destruction and demolition," emphasize the team at Asman Pieniężny. "This strategy not only drastically curbs the CO₂ emissions linked to new material production but also diligently preserves a site's invaluable historical and urban context."

"We approach each project with profound respect for the existing fabric – not aggressively, but with humility towards the original structure. For this nursery, we intentionally reinforced the building's inherent form, ensuring the neighborhood's unique character remained undisturbed. Our core objective was to safeguard the spatial and urban values the building had cultivated over decades. The ultimate validation? When asked which building had been modernized, local residents genuinely didn't notice the change – for us, that's the strongest testament to our approach."

The expansion and modernization project was meticulously crafted to comprehensively elevate the facility's operational standards and adapt it to contemporary educational and childcare demands. Its successful implementation significantly increased the number of available places for children, all while meticulously maintaining comfortable and enriching conditions.

The existing building's mass was thoughtfully developed and strengthened. A cross-shaped layout, evident in the floor plan, optimizes space utilization, ensuring every children's group benefits from spacious, brightly lit, and well-ventilated multifunctional rooms. The facades were unified, creating a cohesive, clean aesthetic that subtly echoes the playful simplicity of children's building blocks.

Revamping the building's functional layout allowed for the creation of modern technical facilities, dedicated staff changing rooms, and enhanced sanitary areas. Beyond the children's group rooms, both the ground and first floors now host administrative and kitchen zones, alongside inviting common areas. Thoughtful additions, such as a dedicated nursing mothers' room, further enhance the overall comfort of the facility.

Given the building's original design and inherent natural ventilation, a minimal, yet effective, upgrade to energy-efficient technical installations was possible. Crucially, the entire building was meticulously adapted to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. The new circulation system boasts wide corridors and two independent evacuation routes, prioritizing safety and accessibility.

The landscape surrounding the nursery seamlessly blends existing infrastructure with thoughtfully designed new elements. A strategic logistics area was established in the northern section of the plot, while the southern expanse was transformed into a vibrant recreational zone, featuring distinct gardens and playgrounds tailored for children of all ages. Covered bicycle racks were also integrated into the outdoor amenities.

Existing greenery was meticulously preserved and further enriched with new plantings. The grounds now feature natural, grass-covered "hills" and thoughtfully placed small architectural elements, inviting play and exploration. The comprehensive reconstruction and expansion of Nursery No. 31 represent more than just a building project; they embody a commitment to creating a modern, safe, and truly nurturing environment that champions the physical and social development of Warsaw's youngest residents.

Photographs before modernization: