The preschools Stenen in Tvååker, Klapperstenen in Breared and Bua Preschool are all the result of the preschool concept that Tengbom developed with the idea that it should be possible to apply and adapt to different locations. The design concept is based on the vision “in a forest, on a stone,” and the aim is for users to experience natural elements and colors from the outdoors even while inside the preschools.

“All of these preschools are close to nature and surrounded by green areas. They should blend in with their surroundings naturally,” explains Amanda Karlberg, who was the designer on the project at Tengbom. “Working with a scalable concept for preschools is a smart and sustainable approach. These three schools differ slightly, but incorporate the same basic concept of nature and wood as a material.

“We’re really happy with our beautiful, inspiring new preschool,” says Linda Persson, principal at the Stenen preschool. “The teachers, children and administrative staff all feel good in the space. We like the light, the high ceilings and the colors. The school’s floorplan really allows teachers to teach in a varied and interesting way. We also have great opportunities to split the kids into smaller groups, which is a winning concept of our teaching. Because each home area has several rooms, we also have the opportunity to use and enjoy inspiring, adapted and changing learning environments. The focus and materials in a room can change frequently.”

Visible wooden framework

One of the project goals was to build with wood using an economical and environmentally friendly approach. Two of the preschools are built on a wooden framework and wood appears throughout both the interior and exterior. Wood is also a highly tactile material – the kids can see it, feel it and experience it. The result harmonizes with the calm and playful color palette that is reminiscent of the forest.

“Building with wood feels especially right for a preschool. We know that it’s beneficial for well-being to be in wooden buildings and we wanted the kids to experience that.”

Amanda Karlberg

Preschool concept: outdoor naptime

Time spent outdoors is an important part of being in preschool. Each school has a freestanding pergola – an outdoor space made with wooden slats. The pergola provides shelter from the sun in the yard and has the same rural-inspired design as the preschool building, but at a child’s scale. The wooden slats and natural setting call to mind a retreat or a spa. As light falls through the slats, it casts shadows that enhance the atmosphere and bring vibrancy to the yard. The children and the teachers play here, and naptime also takes place outside on the patio.

“Before naptime at the preschool, the children and teachers gather mattresses and blankets from a heated room nearby,” says Amanda. “The children rest or sleep outdoors every day. This is also consistent with the well-being concept that we wanted to convey.”

Nature’s color palette

The visual design concept inspired by stones and the forest is carried indoors through the color palette, which offers a nod to nature. Instead of the frequently used palette of whites on preschool walls, the color scheme in this preschool concept incorporates soft and natural hues. The idea comes from research on color theory, with inspiration from a blossoming summer meadow. Cherries, lingonberries and butterflies are among the colorful details that provide contrast to the even greenery of the forest or the gray hues of the mountains.

“We don’t have bright colors all over the place, but rather a colorful balance that makes people feel good. It stimulates the brain and keeps spirits high,” explains Amanda. “Kids and adults alike need color.”

The preschool rooms all put different educational activities in focus. There is a construction room, a sensory room and a studio – each with its own color scheme.

“Imagine a winter landscape where everything is black, white and gray,” continues Amanda. “In that setting, bold colors would be a warning to the brain. I think our color concepts might have initially been perceived as too bright and dominant, but the result is far from loud or alarming. It feels soft and warm and works incredibly well with the wood that’s also visible inside.”

Preschool concept: creative and flexible yards

The preschools also have large, varied and creative yards outside, with playground equipment for all ages. The spaces in the yard can be delineated and scaled up or down to give the younger children their own area.

“We’re feeling at home now that the new preschool has been operating for a year and a half,” says Linda Persson. “We all love it and we’re very proud of our preschool. That includes the building and the teaching that we do here!”