Letovo.Kids Kindergarten

“Letovo.Kids” is a project for a private kindergarten with an additional education unit for children aged 3–6. Developed for a closed competition, the project includes architectural, interior, technological solutions, and a landscaping concept.

We designed a building that doesn’t compete with its surroundings but integrates seamlessly. Facade materials were chosen to maintain visual continuity with the existing Letovo School campus. The facade rhythm is defined by a slatted system and the use of glazing.

The building concept is titled “Nature.”

The landscaping was designed in accordance with children's need for outdoor activities.

Project Zones

1. Gardens with water taps and storage
   A quiet zone for the spring, summer, and early autumn. Here, children engage in hands-on gardening, developing attention and responsibility.
   
   
   

2. Amphitheater
   A space for theater and music performances, outdoor lessons. When not in use for events, it serves as a quiet rest area.
   
   
   

3. “Great Adventure Path”
   A looping route that connects all key zones, branching into smaller paths. Children can ride scooters, bikes, run, and play freely. In winter, it transforms into a ski trail.
   
   
   

4. Two Sports Grounds
   Can be combined into one large area for major events. Noise is contained by a hill and greenery.
   
   
   

5. Treehouse
   A central play feature with a circular staircase and a fenced platform, set low above the ground.
   
   
   

6. Climbing Wall
   Another central element, integrated into the landscape. It also functions as a screen, shielding the play area from the street.
   
   
   

7. Landscape Area
   A quiet zone behind the amphitheater, with two hills for solitude in warm weather or snow-based play in winter.

   
   

8. Terraces
   Designed for younger children, with canopies for outdoor lessons.

   
   

9. Playgrounds for Ages 3–4: “Earth,” “Water,” “Air,” “Sun”
   Each encourages exploration of natural elements. “Earth” involves sand play, “Water” has a stream and sink, “Air” includes sound-based play, and “Sun” focuses on circular movement. Each area is open and free-form, equipped with swings, sandpits, benches, and motor skill development features.

   
   

10. Playgrounds for Ages 5–6: “Earth,” “Water,” “Air,” “Sun”
    They have similar base equipment, with additions like a sundial at “Sun” and construction kits for building child-scaled structures.
    
    
    

Additional features include a utility building (storage, bike parking), service zones (kitchen loading area, waste disposal with no child access), and emergency vehicle routes (part paved, part grass-reinforced).

Planning principles were based on client’s requirements for a unique educational environment:

• Visibility and safety

• Child-scaled environments

• Intuitive navigation

• Flexible spaces

• Quiet zones in classrooms and common areas

• Weekly rotation between same-age classrooms for variety

• Structured lesson formats (goal setting, small group work, discussion)

• Freedom of movement during lessons
  Shared play areas by age group

• Fostering independence (e.g., children choose their own meals in the cafeteria)
  
  
  

If we impose an activity on a child that they’re not ready for, in spaces that don’t support their developmental needs, we destroy their motivation to learn. The connection between environment design and educational experience is direct. Design a narrow corridor—and you ‘break’ child.

Nadezhda Fedotova, Founder of the architectural studio NF

Each Letovo.Kids classroom is tailored to age-specific needs. Spaces are multifunctional and adaptable to provide zones for exploration, play, theater, movement, creativity, and rest.

The interiors evoke comfort and warmth using natural tones, wooden textures, and materials reminiscent of nature. Nature is central to the design. Adjustable artificial lighting allows for mood changes throughout the day.