Project Name: Dai 2 Nadeshiko Nursery School

Location: Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan

Design Team: Kawakubo Tomoyasu Architects

Structural Design: Kume Hiroki Structural Engineers

Construction: Ishikawa Construction Co., Ltd.

Total Floor Area: 1,720.63 m²

Site Area: 4,239.29 m²

Structure: Reinforced Concrete + Partial Timber Construction

Floors: 2 Stories Above Ground

Design Period: June 2019 - February 2023

Construction Period: March 2023 - March 2024

Completion: March 2024

Photographer: Sobajima Toshihiro

Feature：

Project - In the heart of Japan's Kanto Plain, Dai 2 Nadeshiko Nursery School emerges as a thoughtfully designed educational facility that harmoniously blends architectural innovation with environmental consciousness. This newly completed project, accommodating over 200 children, represents a sophisticated response to both pedagogical needs and climatic challenges in Kumagaya, famously known as Japan's hottest city.

The building's most striking feature is its distinctive roofline, which poetically mirrors the surrounding mountain ranges visible from the site. From Mount Fuji to Mount Tsukuba, the architectural form creates a visual dialogue with these iconic peaks, embedding the local landscape into the children's daily experience. This design choice transforms the building into a memory-making device, where early childhood experiences are intrinsically linked to the regional geography.

The two-story structure employs a hybrid construction system that combines reinforced concrete and timber. The ground floor, housing facilities for children aged 0-2, utilizes robust concrete construction to withstand active play, while the upper level, dedicated to 3-5 year olds, features a more delicate wooden structure. Although fire regulations necessitate covering the complex wooden framework with fire-resistant plasterboard, this combination enables the creation of the building's signature free-form roof.

In response to Kumagaya's extreme heat, the architects implemented multiple cooling strategies. The building achieves the highest insulation rating (Grade 4), while external blinds on the second floor provide essential solar control. The design incorporates covered walkways, pilotis, and eaves that create vital shade, complemented by an innovative mist system that leverages evaporative cooling.

The facility's relationship with its outdoor spaces is particularly noteworthy. Each classroom maintains a strong connection to the exterior, opening onto a series of thoughtfully designed spaces including a secure courtyard, covered plaza, and open decks that merge with the surrounding rural landscape. This arrangement gives children the freedom to choose their preferred environment while ensuring their safety through careful oversight.

Design Team - Founded in 2005, Kawakubo Tomoyasu Architects is a Tokyo-based architectural firm making waves with their innovative residential and commercial projects. Led by principal architect Tomoyasu Kawakubo, a first-class certified architect, the firm's tight-knit team approaches each commission with fresh creative energy.

Kawakubo cut his teeth at the renowned Isozaki Arata & Associates before branching out on his own in 2002. His mastery of spatial planning and keen eye for detail shine through in designs that maximize functionality while expressing a distinct aesthetic vision. The firm's residential work, such as the award-winning Kuramae Small House and Nishihara Row Houses, demonstrates an ability to craft highly livable spaces on constrained urban sites.

With Kawakubo at the helm, the practice embraces an interdisciplinary approach, often blurring the lines between architecture and product design. This cross-pollination results in compelling environments where customized furniture and fixtures seamlessly integrate with the architectural concepts.

Beyond designing innovative buildings, the firm is deeply engaged in architectural education. Kawakubo has taught at Nihon University's College of Engineering since 2014 and serves as a visiting researcher, nurturing the next generation of talent.

Through built works earning international acclaim and a commitment to advancing the profession, Kawakubo Tomoyasu Architecture & Associates has cemented its position as one of Japan's most exciting emerging practices.