Education in harmony with nature
That is the motto of Living Circles GmbH. The educational space concept provides a wide range of opportunities to experience nature first-hand and to discover natural processes in a way that is easy to understand.
The core idea behind this concept is to create challenging educational environments for the youngest members of our society. The Little Franklin forest and nature kindergarten in Mannheim was developed based on this philosophy.
Mayr-Melnhof Holz Reuthe supplied MM masterline glulam and special components for the timber construction of the kindergarten.
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A nature and forest kindergarten was built in Mannheim for the youngest members of the generation in what used to be the largest US housing estate in Germany.
The children who attend the kindergarten enliven the urban neighbourhood on a plot of around 2,000 m2, which also has two modern wooden yurts and is directly adjacent to the Käfertal forest.
The construction of new premises has increased the childcare capacity to 40 children in two groups. The forest kindergarten concept is characterised by its unique combination of culture and nature.
It offers children the opportunity to explore and experience the natural environment throughout the day. From an early age, children learn to respect and protect nature by establishing a direct connection to their environment.
Most of their main activities take place outdoors, no matter what the weather is like: Woodworking, creative crafts with natural materials and making fires are always on the agenda.
Living Circles develops highly flexible educational environments that allow the buildings to be adapted to changing needs at any time.
Circular group rooms with large windows overlooking nature create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor areas and invite people to gather in a warm and inviting atmosphere away from the time spent predominantly outdoors.
When constructing the kindergarten, a special focus was placed on the use of natural and durable building materials. Mayr-Melnhof Holz Reuthe provided around 9 cubic metres of PEFC-certified glued laminated timber for the construction of the two yurts, as well as special components for the timber frame.
The result is a retreat for the children which combines functionality, comfort and long-term usability.
Sources:
Press kit
Factsheet Living Circles: http://www.littlefranklin.de/konzept.html
Photocredits: LivingCircles