A house to grow in – the new EVIM children's home on Rheingaustraße is nearing completion.
The new EVIM daycare center Haus der Kinder Rheingaustraße is rapidly approaching completion. The result is a place that welcomes children and staff alike—a small architectural gem. The successful combination of the new building and the characterful existing brick building impresses with its many lovely details. The location is also ideal: in the immediate vicinity of the Rhine and the castle park in the Biebrich district of Wiesbaden.
Spaces that support the concept
What has grown here in recent months is impressive. This is particularly evident to anyone who remembers the existing building from earlier times. Today, bright, friendly rooms characterize the interior. Generous windows and carefully placed sightlines between the old and new buildings open up surprising perspectives. High-quality materials such as wood and matte steel for handrails, clear, circular lights, and overall well-thought-out, understated furnishings create a pleasantly calm atmosphere – and that is precisely why it is so harmonious. The space itself ideally supports the Montessori educational concept of the daycare center.
Self-sufficient and close to everyday life
"The furnishings in the group rooms enable each group to work largely self-sufficiently," explains Birgit Fetz-Kappus, educational consultant for EVIM Bildung, with a clear focus on children and employees at the center. The experienced facility manager of the Emser Straße children's center has already supervised several daycare center construction projects. This experience is also reflected in the color and material concept. She advises the future director Mara-Beatrice Evermann and is in close contact with architects and construction planners. Each group room has a dishwasher, a refrigerator, and a small children's kitchen. "Here, children can chop salad, cook small meals together, or prepare spreads," she says enthusiastically.
Space for movement and development
The new building houses two elementary groups of 20 children each – on the ground floor and on the first floor. The building also extends far into the ground: the basement has a spacious exercise room, which is also bright thanks to clever window design and allows a view of the outdoor area, where work is currently still underway. "The furniture has been ordered, the carpenter has been commissioned, and the materials are on the waiting list," reports Mara Evermann. The daycare center is also well staffed: all positions are filled. Registrations are still open; there are currently a few places available in the elementary school, while the nursery group is almost fully occupied.
Excellent working conditions
The nursery area is housed in the lovingly renovated existing building. The decades-old floorboards have been sanded down and shine in new splendor. Round arches give the rooms their special character. Historical elements such as the checkerboard tiles in the entrance area and the filigree wrought-iron stair railing leading to the staff and office rooms on the first floor have been preserved. Both managers are proud of the excellent working conditions. The existing building fabric has been preserved and sensibly supplemented with great sensitivity. "At all levels, we have succeeded in making optimal use of the space and creating additional storage space," says Birgit Fetz-Kappus. She praises the good cooperation with Dominik Mey on the EVIM side and with Alice Schönmaier from BAI Planung GmbH & Co KG.
Life moves in with spring
The first floor offers a sweeping view of trees, gardens, and the neighboring EVIM day center for senior citizens. With spring, the first children will move in and fill their new daycare center with life. By then, the outdoor area will also be largely complete—and will grow along with the children. (hk)