Leeuwesteyn is a new, sustainable residential area in Utrecht with an urban feel and architecture that draws inspiration from art deco. These characteristics served as the foundation for the design of the kindergarten. The site, built above the A2 tunnel, has a height difference of nearly four metres. This was utilised by creating a stepped design with clearly identifiable entrances at both ground levels. The height differences are also incorporated into the building mass, giving the kindergarten a strong and varied silhouette. Metadecor realised the façade panels, gates, and balustrade railings with MD Designperforation.

Photo: Gerard van Beek

Integral character

The continuous façade materialisation and openings across the various sections emphasise the cohesive and integral character of the building. The façade consists of a regular pattern of brickwork in natural shades, with openings playfully filled with glass and perforated aluminium panels. These panels are fitted with an MD Design perforation DE130 pattern by Metadecor, featuring T25 holes of ø15 and ø20. The pattern is inspired by the logo of the kindergarten.

Photo: Gerard van Beek

Light, transparency and safety in balance

The perforated panels are used both for solid (HSB) façade areas and for the windows. This creates an intriguing interplay of light and shadow within the interior, while maintaining transparency to the outside. The coordination of the perforation with the client was a careful process, during which we provided advice on the child safety aspects of the perforation. As the design process progressed, this led to the decision to opt for a finer perforation with smaller openings, without compromising the quality of the images within the pattern.

Photo: Gerard van Beek

The panels were fixed using the MD Mezzo system (type DEM111), with the screws discreetly inserted through the perforation.
In addition to the façade panels, we also produced gates and balustrade railings in the same aluminium pattern.