Little Stump

Inspired by a tree stump with a hollow core, an impromptu shelter for several kinds of animals, the building is a full-scale portrayal of the narrative from the book where it calls for a group effort to fix, fill and assemble the incomplete shelter. The building features a center court with a symbolic tree to signify growth and life.

The courtyard connects three main spaces - a reception area, a workshop room, and a playroom. Children can run in and out between indoors and outdoors, and can always be seen by their parents as all rooms are visually connected. Essentially, the playground would become a place for children to expand their imagination, explore sensorial experiences, and learn through play.

By referencing organic shapes and forms from nature, the building columns were transformed into the simplified shape of a tree trunk. The window openings were shaped like a cut-out of a tree hollow. All together with the children’s distorted line drawings, the curvature of the building façades and roof lines were adjusted and simplified for construction.

Small windows, small chairs, tables, and stools were carefully selected for our main users.