“Ta Papakia II” daycare was constructed just outside the city of Rethymno, aiming to create a modern and welcoming environment for children and parents, as an extension of the existing “Ta Papakia I” facility.
An existing building of a different function was repurposed, transforming it into a space that combines the sense of an open-plan environment with the ability to separate the essential functional zones required in a daycare.
Key materials include glass and wood: glass provides bright classrooms, allowing natural light to permeate throughout the space, while semi-perforated wooden panels, painted for safety, act as filters between rooms, providing protection and visual continuity. The result is a safe, pleasant, and contemporary daycare that balances comfort and aesthetics.
The lighting design, created specifically for the new floor, combines spotlights, concealed lighting, and LED strips to create layered lighting conditions in each space. Special attention was given to the ceilings to fully cover the steel frame beams while discreetly integrating the lighting elements, achieving a clean and balanced architectural outcome.
Italian glossy tiles with timeless veining and soft tones were installed on the floors, imparting a modern yet enduring character and enhancing the diffusion of natural light throughout the rooms. All custom carpentry — from the high-quality paneled kitchen to wardrobes, changing areas, and bathroom furniture — was designed for optimal functionality. The bathrooms feature Spanish tiles that add texture, depth, and understated elegance.
The project concludes with the completion of the central staircase, ensuring functional and aesthetic continuity between the ground floor and the new upper floor.