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Epée de Bois Nursery by h2o architectes

Making use of a tight, narrow space, h2o architects designed and built an extension of a nursery in the center of Paris. Epée de Bois is a nursery for 24 children that’s set against an existing building towards the end of a courtyard. Unlike the rest of the buildings that surround it, the nursery’s light and unique exterior gives it a distinct identity.

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The glass building is protected by a perforated shell that creates the look of a pleated curtain blowing up around the entrance.

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The shell also lets maximum amounts of light to fill the spaces and play areas.

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The interior and exterior are all painted a stark white, letting the colorful toys and furniture take the stage.

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The nursery is spread out over three levels, with the ground level and first floor dedicated to the children and the basement level being a private space.

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The top floor is a roof terrace that the children can safely play on while being protected by a perimeter fence that also lets them look out.

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Photos by Julien Attard.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.