From the outside, it may look like a modern museum, but this bold recti­linear building in rural Switzerland is in fact a kindergarten. In contrast to the white concrete exterior, made with locally quarried gravel, the interior walls, rafters and change benches are crafted out of golden-hued Swiss stone pine. The architects selected this material as a homage to the homes in the surrounding Engadin Valley, whose interiors are warmed up by this knotty species with a calming scent. The natural aroma is also meant to foster warm memories in the children who learn their ABC’s in the three classrooms.

­walserarchitekt.ch