Stamerhuset is a classic late empire villa in Bergen that was built in 1860 by the merchant Johan Stamer and rebuilt in 1913. As early as 1926, both the exterior and the interior of the house were protected by a decision of the National Archives. The building has undergone significant changes in use, having served as both a residence and a nursery school. Most recently, it housed Steinerskolen's art education programme. In 2019, Tryllefløyten Steinerbarnehage took over Stamerhuset, marking the latest chapter in its storied history and converting it to a kindergarten. Thanks to the financial and professional support from Vestland County Council, the villa's extensive renovation to a kindergarten was possible. And despite the limitations imposed by the house's conservation status, there were ample opportunities for creativity in the design process.
Renovated by the architectural studio Arkitektstudio Elfrida Bull Bene in collaboration with the design studio Inspiris, Stamerhuset's first floor features a classic formal layout. Efforts have been made to preserve the character of the large living rooms, even while adapting to its new purpose as a nursery school. Adaptations primarily occurred in the "newer" section of the house from 1913, with all technological additions, such as ventilation systems and piping, discreetly placed in the basement to maintain the importance and clarity of the main rooms.
Kindergarten Interiors that Support Children's Development
In Tryllefløyten Steinerbarnehage's pedagogical approach, the child is inspired to learn and develop through imitation and influence from the environment. Central to this philosophy are rich sensory experiences, emphasising aesthetics and qualities in the child's interactions.
Stamerhuset Kindergarten's renovation by Arkitektstudio Elfrida Bull Bene emphasises tactile surfaces, a balanced colour scheme, and historical details, creating a bright, open, and visually pleasing environment. This effort earned an honourable mention at the 2023 Bergen Municipality's Architecture and City Planning Award.
“The aim was to blend historical and modern elements, creating a positive atmosphere and aesthetics that support children's development in exploring space and qualities”, explains architect Hanne Klæbo, architect at Arkitektstudio Elfrida Bull Bene.
Renovating the Kindergarten Spaces with Acoustic Elegance
Inn AS installed the wall and ceiling elements using wall cassettes from Minde Snekkeri AS. The acoustic features of Rockfon Eclipse islands in the Circle shape play a key role in creating a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, appreciated by both kids and adults visiting the kindergarten. The design also serves as an architectural element which helps establish a lower ceiling and a playful atmosphere in the formal rooms. Varying in size and arranged in a playful, irregular pattern, the acoustic islands complement the characteristic stencil-painted wallpaper integrated into the nursery interior, encouraging imagination and dynamic experiences.
The colour palette of the acoustic ceiling islands seamlessly complements the original playful and pleasant colour scheme developed by Inspiris. Rockfon Eclipse, in subtle shades of green like Sage and Eucalyptus, plays a key role in the kitchen, smoothly transitioning to the main living areas with the calming colour Seashell. The wardrobe with a yellow-tinged hue, as well as the playroom and bedroom with floating sky-inspired elements in the colour Fresh, enhance the overall acoustic solution with imagination and functionality.
