A Modern Pre-school Educational Institution in Aloja: Harmony Between Environment and Innovation
The architectural practice BALTS UN MELNS presents a new, sustainable, and energy-efficient project – a newly constructed pre-school educational institution at 11 Kalēju Street, Aloja. The project is rooted in a vision of an environment where the world of children’s play intertwines organically with educational and cognitive processes.
Architecture and Environmental Context
The new building is designed as a single-storey timber-frame structure that fits seamlessly into the existing apple orchard on the school grounds. The architectural image of the building is composed of simple geometric forms, complemented by expressive finishing accents. The project utilises industrially manufactured modules, which significantly accelerate the construction process and reduce costs.
Functional Layout and Capacity
The nursery is designed for 48 pupils, offering space for two groups:
- Ages 1.5–3 years (up to 24 children).
- Ages 4–6 years (up to 24 children).
Each group block includes spacious teaching and sleeping rooms, a kitchen area for food distribution, modern sanitary facilities, and ergonomic cloakrooms. At the heart of the building is a multi-functional hall for sports and events, as well as well-considered staff and medical rooms.
Sustainability and Green Solutions
The project stands out for its eco-friendly approach and innovative engineering solutions:
- Timber Construction: CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) panels and wood-fibre insulation ensure a pleasant microclimate and a reduced ecological footprint.
- Renewable Energy: The roof structures are designed to be suitable for the installation of solar panels.
- Resource Conservation: A "green roof" is planned, along with a rainwater harvesting system for garden irrigation.
- Energy Efficiency: Each block features an autonomous ventilation-recuperation system for a more economical operating mode.
Accessibility and Safety
The building fully complies with LBN 200-21 standards, ensuring 100% accessibility for persons with mobility impairments – including threshold-free doors, touchless sensors in hygiene rooms, and convenient ramps. Only health-safe, certified materials free from phthalates and formaldehydes have been used for the interior finishes.
Landscaped Grounds
The outdoor area features a fenced playground with shelters and timber terraces integrated between the modular building volumes. The site includes bicycle parking, a car park for staff and parents, and the preservation of the valuable trees within the apple orchard.
The project created by BALTS UN MELNS serves as a model of how modern architecture can support childhood development while respecting nature and the local community.
- TAA: Technical and Economic Assessment
- GI: Master Plan
- UPP: Drilling and Pile Foundations
- SA: Situation Analysis
- GP: Master Plan
- TS-CD: Technical Specifications – Construction Section
- TS-L: Technical Specifications – Usage Section
- AR: Architectural Solutions
- IE: Engineering Solutions
- IN: Infrastructure
- BK: Building Structures
- EL: Electrical Supply
- ELT: Electrotechnics
- ESS-CI: Electronic Communication Systems – Central Unit
- ESS-PK: Electronic Communication Systems – Perimeter Control
- ESS-AS: Electronic Communication Systems – Security System
- ESS-VAS: Electronic Communication Systems – Video Surveillance System
- ESS-VN: Electronic Communication Systems – Video Monitoring
- ESS-TK: Electronic Communication Systems – Telecommunications
- EST: Energy Systems
- AVK-A: Heating
- AVK-V: Ventilation
- AVK-K: Air Conditioning
- UKT: Water Supply and Sewerage Networks
- UAS: Automatic Firefighting Systems
- UK: Fire Safety Control
- DOP: Work Organisation Project
- BA: Construction Description
- T: Technology
- BIM: Building Information Modelling
