Kengo Kuma’s Kids Academy Taiyogaoka Hoikuen is a Beautiful Kindergarten Made from Locally Sourced Wood

Renowned architect <a title="Kengo Kuma Builds Modest Kindergarten in Japan Entirely From Wood" href="http://kkaa.co.jp/" target="_blank">Kengo Kuma</a>’s Kids Academy Taiyogaoka Hoikuen is not your average kindergarten. Rather than featuring cheerful colors and a plastic playground equipment, this new learning center is made entirely from locally sourced wood. Located in the coastal city of Ishikawa, in Japan, the modest single-floor shelter provides kids with a natural environment for <a title="Kengo Kuma Builds Modest Kindergarten in Japan Entirely From Wood" href="http://inhabitat.com/the-discovery-factory-is-an-experimental-space-in-an-old-philips-factory-where-kids-can-learn-about-sustainability/" target="_blank">playing</a> and learning.

<a title="Kengo Kuma Builds Modest Kindergarten in Japan Entirely From Wood" href="http://kkaa.co.jp/" target="_blank">Kengo Kuma</a>'s Kids Academy Taiyogaoka Hoikuen is a single level building that covers a small area.

It is built close to the ground and embodies <a title="Kengo Kuma Builds Modest Kindergarten in Japan Entirely From Wood" href="http://inhabitat.com/kengo-kumas-jenga-like-cafe-kureon-is-made-from-stacks-of-locally-sourced-logs/" target="_blank">Kuma</a>'s vision of 'small architecture'.

The building is made from locally sourced wood inside and out, and its natural color, petite size, and on-site trees help it merge with the landscape.

Designed to suit the size and activities of children, the <a title="Kengo Kuma Builds Modest Kindergarten in Japan Entirely From Wood" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kindergarten" target="_blank">kindergarten</a> is low with plenty of small niche-like “caves” inside.

Recessed geometric windows let <a title="Kengo Kuma Builds Modest Kindergarten in Japan Entirely From Wood" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_light" target="_blank">natural light</a> in, diffusing strong sun rays while illuminating the beautiful wood grain of the interior paneling.

<a title="Kengo Kuma Builds Modest Kindergarten in Japan Entirely From Wood" href="http://inhabitat.com/kengo-kumas-transparent-temporary-shelter-pays-homage-to-classic-japanese-literature/" target="_blank">Kengo Kuma</a>’s wooden kindergarten a unique learning environment made with respect for both nature and kids.