A place for little world explorers: The new daycare center in Niddatal-Ilbenstadt is now open.

Full of excitement, the children rushed into the new rooms of the “Little World Explorers” daycare center in Niddatal-Ilbenstadt. The new building offers a modern childcare facility that, with its open, nature-oriented design and numerous opportunities for play and discovery, is tailored specifically to the needs of the youth. To meet the growing demand for daycare places, the city of Niddatal has created space for more than 120 children aged between zero to six years old.

The single-story, U-shaped building is entirely designed from the perspective of the children. Spacious group rooms with direct access to the garden, abundant daylight, and natural materials create a bright, friendly atmosphere. The building incorporates the natural slope of the site into its interior, generating different levels that encourage movement and allow for barrier-free transitions. Like a small landscape, the roof forms varying ceiling heights, creating a sense of openness and diversity.

Facing the street, the building presents itself as intentionally calm and closed. Toward the inner courtyard, however, it opens with floor-to-ceiling windows and warm wooden cladding. At the heart of the daycare lies the expansive garden. With old fruit trees, herb beds, climbing elements, and quiet retreat areas, it invites children to play, explore, and linger. The interiors also follow the open educational concept: flexible structures encourage children to move freely and actively shape their daily routines. Even on the opening day, the educators reported how quickly the children embraced the new spaces and how positively this influenced their joy of discovery and independence.

The new facility also benefits the neighborhood. In the forecourt, a public water pump recalls the site’s former use as a fountain square, making the history of the place tangible again. Sustainable building materials, a heat pump, and a photovoltaic system with battery storage also ensure environmentally friendly and energy-efficient operations.

Mayor Michael Hahn emphasizes: “With the new daycare center, we are not only creating urgently needed childcare places, but also a place where children, families, and the neighborhood can come together.”