The building subject to renovation is a 1960s property located in the southern section of the historic centre of Isernia.

The aim of the design is to renovate the existing structure, enhancing its energy efficiency and structural integrity in order to enhance the provision of early childcare services and accommodate the new function of a nursery.

With a focus on sustainability, the energy efficiency measures seek to transform the building's exterior. This involves improving both its energy performance, resulting in a nearly zero-energy building and its aesthetic appearance, incorporating a cohesive update to colours and finishes.

For the building units forming the functional components of the centre, appropriate mechanical and electrical systems have been designed to ensure their optimal operation and the full execution of their specific functions.

A plumbing and drainage system, a heating system, an electrical system, and a safety and fire protection system are provided.

Regarding the optimisation of the heating system, a VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) direct expansion heating system and an air exchange system were selected.

For heating and cooling the spaces, the VRF system allows for a lower supply temperature, eliminates reliance on gas supply, reduces CO₂ emissions, and leverages the dual functionality of the heat pump to provide cooling as well.

The system has been designed with a building automation system that allows for consumption monitoring and temperature regulation across various spaces.

The domestic hot water demand is met by two heat pump water heaters located in the two areas designated for sanitary facilities.

The design incorporates a controlled mechanical ventilation system integrated with the heating and cooling systems, ensuring continuous air purification, mitigation of harmful factors, and maintenance of thermal comfort and appropriate humidity levels for both children and adults.

Additionally, a photovoltaic system comprising 860 photovoltaic tiles installed on the southeast and southwest roof slopes has been planned to enhance the building's energy efficiency and sustainability.

The spatial organisation has been carefully considered to include on the ground floor an entrance and reception area, a play and lounge space, a dining area, a rest area and hygiene facilities. The first floor is dedicated to staff and general services, comprising staff bathrooms, changing rooms, storage for tools, furniture and supplies, a pantry for children’s meals, a laundry room, an adult dining area, an office and storage rooms.

The entrance serves as the first point of contact with the facility for both children and parents, making it essential for the design to convey its identity and foster a sense of welcome and belonging.

The play and lounge area, with its furniture and equipment, includes both individual zones and collective spaces. Its design, maintaining a coherence with the design direction, balances individual needs with the gradual engagement of groups.

The rest area is designed with appropriate shading, acoustic protection and easy accommodation for cots and beds. It provides an intimate, comfortable and reassuring space where children can relax and experience a profound sense of well-being.

The dining environment for children is as important as the quality of the food they eat. Lunchtime holds significant cultural and social value and the design of the space, along with the quality of the dining experience, influences a child’s relationship with food. For these reasons, the dining area must move beyond the characteristics of a mere canteen to become a distinctly defined, specialised, aesthetically pleasing and an enjoyable space.

The sanitary area is more enclosed compared to other spaces, allowing easy and unrestricted access for children while enabling supervision by adults.

The nursery is an environment of daily life, where the well-being of each individual is determined by the quality of the social environment. Consequently, the space must also be pleasant for adults, incorporating elements in the furnishings and spatial layout that address their specific needs.

The project includes dedicated spaces specifically reserved for educators. These are living and working areas designed for meetings and discussions, equipped with appropriate furniture and tools to facilitate documentation tasks.

Client: The Municipality of Isernia

Design: DM Consulting srl

Location: Isernia

Year: 2023

Construction Cost: € 559.939,93

Services: Technical Design and Construction Supervision