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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 the former Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk and a writer with a passion for modern design, architecture, and creative culture. She holds a BFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, solving New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or curating Spotify playlists.