A symbiosis of wood and colour

Playful

"The original plans for a facility for two groups ultimately developed into a pre-school with four groups that spreads across the entire ground floor along the access route," explains Stephan Mitterhofer from archcollectiv_F4 / atelier querlängs. The design picks up on the theme of spatial differentiation through rhythmic folds and vertical staggering that was used in the residential buildings that lie above: steps to sit on, platforms, window alcoves and sloping walls give the space its structure and create a playful feel that accommodates the needs of its young users. At the end of the day, these furnishing elements are intended to be climbed on, used, filled, occupied and conquered. "We deliberately chose high-quality, individual items of built-in furniture," Mitterhofer emphasises.

Natural

Instead of choosing uniform goods from a catalogue, the Carinthian carpentry workshop Tischlerei Suntinger & Wallner produced a set of very special furnishing elements that are perfectly suited to the space: for example, a "four seasons sitting tree" fits snugly around a room divider, and a blue island rises up from the wooden sea. Wooden sea? Yes, because "in particular with social housing, the surface quality is often neglected, so it was important to us to ensure a high-quality construction and finish – and for this, the only material that we would consider using is traditional timber," explains the architect. They wanted the children to be able to experience this natural material, in all its facets, with all their senses. After all, the "space and the materials also serve as teachers" – this was the vision in the design concept put together by Mitterhofer and cs-architect Nina Pertiller.

Selected

It soon became clear, therefore, that although colour would be used, the structure and the grain of the wood should still be recognisable. How could this be achieved? Quite simple – by using wood stains! Because this method of surface treatment gives you the option of changing the character of the wood without it losing its unique appeal. Carpentry workshop Suntinger & Wallner were able to rely on the full support of ADLER, who are experts in top-quality wood staining. ADLER first of all produced a broad range of colour samples of their wood stain Arova Colora, before the decision was made in favour of the shades RAL 5024 Pastel blue, RAL 6019 Pastel green, RAL1034 Pastel yellow, RAL 4001 Red lilac, RAL 6017 May green and RAL 6002 Leaf green. "We made the furniture from three-layer spruce panels, stained them with Arova Colora in the chosen colours and then sealed the surfaces with ADLER Bluefin Resist," Patrick Wallensteiner tells us. This water-based clear varnish ensures an especially resilient surface, is resistant to sweat and saliva, and is well-suited to use on children's play equipment. The stained wood is thereby perfectly protected and will retain its beauty, even when subjected to the rough and tumble of play.

Uniform

The team from Suntinger & Wallner did an extremely good job of applying the coloured stain to such large areas, for example on the wall units for seating and storage – all the users, both young and old, are very enthusiastic about the cheerful splashes of colour. "The coloured surfaces have turned out really well and everyone loves them," Pertiller tells us. A number of other elements of the built-in furniture made from three-layer larch panels have also been well received, as have the doors made from knot-free and veneered larch, which the carpentry workshop left in a natural colour and varnished with Aduro Vento by ADLER. As with the benches, chairs and tables made from solid ash in the dining hall, which have also been protected with the same clear varnish: the architects designed this area "to feel like a cosy room in a traditional tavern" – a great example of a place where people enjoy spending time together!