Susi Weigel Kindergarten in Austria: Inspiration from Children's Story books

At the new kindergarten in Bludenz named for the well-known illustrator Susi Weigel, the interior design takes inspiration from motifs by the artist for children's story books. Architect: Bernardo Bader Architects
Location: Rungelinerstraße 14, 6700 Bludenz, Austria

The minimalist style of the new buildings blends in harmoniously with the landscape, and it was in the same respect that Bernardo Bader Architects designed the outer façade with timber elements, underscoring the simple character of the two-story square building in the process. Large picture windows provide superb views of the surrounding mountain landscape and the meadows and woods of the Vorarlberg region. Indoors a gallery creates an expansive space with plenty of room for playing and romping. The individual classrooms are divided among the two storeys.

The colour scheme was the responsibility of Monika Heiss, who decided on pale, soft colours in hues ranging from yellow to blue. Implemented in the curtains, chairs, upholstered items and the rear walls of the coat racks, the colour concept sets bright accents against the walls and ceilings in wood and exposed concrete. The timber – namely fir indoors and pine on the outer façade – was sourced from domestic woods.

Project data Client: municipality of Bludenz
Colours / design: Monika Heiss and Brigitte Mumelter
Structural engineer: Brugger Ingenieure Usable space: 1,200 m²
Certification: Passive house