SG Kindergarten and Nursery by HIBINOSEKKEI, KIDS DESIGN LABO & Youji no Shiro

In the historic heart of Katori City, where the legacy of Edo-period waterways and traditional Machiya architecture still shapes the streetscape, a new generation of learning has begun with the construction of the SG Kindergarten and Nursery. Designed by HIBINOSEKKEI + Youji no Shiro + KIDS DESIGN LABO, this project consolidates and replaces four aging public preschools with a single, holistic environment for early childhood education—one that deeply connects children to their cultural roots and nurtures their well-being from the inside out.

A Kindergarten Rooted in Place and Time

Katori City is designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings, owing to its well-preserved traditional townhouses and rich history as a cultural crossroads. Inspired by this unique context, the design team reinterpreted elements of Machiya—the archetypal Japanese townhouse known for its wooden façades and rhythmic latticework—into the kindergarten’s architectural vocabulary. This contemporary adaptation is not a replica, but a thoughtful fusion of past and present, allowing children to experience history in a space tailored to their scale, rhythm, and imagination.

Through materials, textures, and forms, the building gently echoes the surrounding historical fabric. Wooden louvers, soft transitions between indoor and outdoor space, and carefully composed volumes invite children to explore, while instilling a subconscious sense of belonging to their community. This design approach encourages children to engage with the local context not as passive observers, but as active participants in its continuity.

Learning Through Architecture

The SG Kindergarten and Nursery is more than an educational facility—it is a spatial narrative that supports learning through architecture. Every corner of the building is designed to stimulate curiosity, autonomy, and social interaction. Generous natural light, tactile materials, and child-scaled details foster an environment that is safe yet stimulating, nurturing yet expansive.

Special attention is given to the dining experience, which plays a pivotal role in the school’s educational mission. In response to growing concerns over children’s dietary health—such as skipped breakfasts, nutrient imbalances, and solitary meals—the architecture integrates nutrition into the daily routine. A kitchen, dining room, and vegetable garden are not only physically connected but also visually and experientially intertwined. As children enter the school, they pass the smells of cooking and the sights of freshly harvested vegetables—providing natural exposure to the processes of food preparation and the joys of communal eating.

Through this multisensory setup, children are subtly introduced to the values of nutrition, seasonality, and gratitude. They witness how food is grown, prepared, and enjoyed together—an immersive education that lays the foundation for lifelong healthy habits and emotional development.

A Foundation for Belonging and Growth

The spatial configuration of the kindergarten encourages fluid movement between learning, play, and rest. Flexible classrooms open onto outdoor terraces and courtyards, allowing for spontaneous interaction with nature. Interior partitions balance openness and enclosure, ensuring that children feel both free and secure. Each space is crafted to promote not only educational growth but also emotional well-being and a sense of individual agency.

Moreover, by embedding architectural references to local culture into the everyday experience of children, the design fosters early civic consciousness. Children grow up with an innate understanding of the place they come from, recognizing the value of tradition, community, and sustainability through the very space they inhabit.

Architecture as a Living Lesson

The SG Kindergarten and Nursery exemplifies how architecture can play a fundamental role in shaping young lives. It is a model of how thoughtful design can connect the dots between history, health, and education—providing children with an enriched environment that supports physical, emotional, and cultural development. In preserving the essence of Machiya while innovating for modern needs, the architects have created a space where children not only prepare for the future, but also learn to cherish the past.

This project is a testament to the potential of early education environments to be more than functional spaces—they can be formative experiences. By rooting education in local identity and daily life, SG Kindergarten and Nursery becomes not just a school, but a cultural incubator, nurturing the next generation with sensitivity, creativity, and care.

Photography: Toshinari Soga