Lunawood is a pioneer in decorative wood solutions, with 25 years of expertise in the thermal modification of wood. Their mission is to reconnect people with nature by bringing the calming essence of the forest into urban environments.
Lunawood ThermoWood® cladding was applied in Savannen Nursery, an educational facility designed by Nordic Office of Architecture, located in a transition zone between town and countryside near Frederikssund, Denmark.
Developed between 2017 and 2019, the project reflects the firm’s long-term approach to architecture, emphasizing durability, responsible material selection, and buildings that can serve their communities over extended life cycles. The nursery was conceived not only as a functional educational environment, but also as a social and spatial framework that connects architecture, landscape, and everyday life for children, staff, and residents.
For the building envelope, the architects specified ThermoWood® as façade cladding to achieve surfaces that are warm, tactile, and suitable for direct interaction by young users. A key design objective was to select materials capable of aging naturally while maintaining performance with minimal maintenance demands. The differentiated wood panelling system allows each building volume, conceived as an individual “house” within the larger complex, to develop its own identity and scale while maintaining a cohesive architectural language across the project.
Over time, the façade is designed to obtain a gradual patina, reinforcing the connection between the building and its natural surroundings and supporting the long-term durability required for an intensively used public facility.
The architectural concept is rooted in local building traditions and landscape conditions. The nursery is organized as a cluster of smaller volumes inspired by the regional longhouse typology, scaled down to create a series of recognizable and accessible environments for children. This arrangement introduces spatial variety and supports different modes of learning, play, and social interaction. Each primary space, referred to as a “heart room,” functions as a central gathering area with a specific purpose, from which circulation extends to smaller group rooms and activity spaces. These rooms are designed to offer clear orientation, comfortable proportions, and visual connections to outdoor areas.
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Site planning played a central role in the development of the project. The plot is situated along a boundary between urban and rural contexts, with a main road to the north, a small forest to the west, a lake and green area to the south, and open agricultural fields to the east. The building layout responds to these conditions by establishing strong visual and physical connections to the surrounding landscape. Outdoor spaces are treated as integral components of the educational environment, functioning as extensions of interior rooms and providing opportunities for recreation and learning throughout the day. After nursery hours, these exterior areas can also serve the broader local community.
Within this framework, the use of Lunawood ThermoWood® cladding supports both functional and experiential goals. The façade system contributes to a durable building envelope capable of withstanding long-term exposure while maintaining dimensional stability and consistent performance. At the same time, the natural material quality of the wood introduces warmth and familiarity into the architectural expression, reinforcing the project’s intention to create a friendly and supportive environment for children.
Through the integration of context-based design strategies, carefully selected materials, and adaptable spatial organization, Savannen Nursery demonstrates how façade systems can contribute to the long-term sustainability and usability of educational buildings.
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