Expanding care for Kołobrzeg’s youngest
The Krasnal Nursery in Kołobrzeg, Poland has been part of the city’s life for half a century, caring for generations of its youngest residents. On its 50th anniversary, the nursery entered a new chapter with a major expansion, answering the city’s growing demand for childcare. Designed by Decocafe, the new wing is more than just extra space – it is a carefully considered environment that supports the emotional and sensory development of children under three, while giving staff a calmer and more functional setting for daily care. Decocafe architects Dobrochna Kniat and Krzysztof Kostrzyc opted for the acoustic ceiling solutions Rockfon Color-all in two shades as well as Rockfon Tropic and Rockfon Sonar to optimise the childcare facility acoustics.
Acoustic comfort and friendly colours
The expansion of the nursery was made possible an investment totalling PLN 17.4 million, with 68 percent funded through subsidies, including the Active Toddler programme, the National Recovery Plan, the Local Investment Fund, and the European Social Development Funds. “We saw how great the demand for nursery places was. We wanted every child to have the chance for safe and friendly care – that is why we decided to invest in the expansion”, explains Anna Mieczkowska, Mayor of Kołobrzeg.
The interiors of the Krasnal Nursery take inspiration from the city of Kołobrzeg’s seaside character. Elements such as a ball-filled water basin, ropes, islands, and tunnels recall a ship’s interior, giving children play opportunities that are also tools for development. The design is rooted in the belief that the youngest learn through movement, touch, and exploration, with each feature encouraging activity and sensory integration.
The nursery also introduces new amenities and inclusive features. It includes a theatre room, a 24-stroller parking, a fully equipped kitchen, an elevator, and wide corridors for accessibility. The smallest details – from handles to toilet layouts – were designed with children and caregivers in mind.
“The interior aesthetics are based on simplicity and clarity – we deliberately avoided excessive stimuli, choosing natural materials, warm daylight, and a harmonious colour palette. We also wanted the space to support a child’s orientation and independence – which is why we ensured clear zoning and accessibility of elements at the right height,” explains Dobrochna Kniat.
Colour played a key role in the design, and Rockfon Color-all was installed in Azure, a soft blue, as well as Charcoal to create black suspended ceilings. “We wanted a colour palette that would be both friendly and calming. We chose blues and navies, as well as earth and wood tones – shades that reference the seaside landscape and create an atmosphere of peace and safety. We selected, among others, Azure from the Rockfon Colours of Wellbeing palette, as it has a soothing and calming effect on children. In this project, colour is not just decoration – it is intended to influence the mood and well-being of the users,” adds Kniat.
“Acoustics were one of the priorities, because excess noise directly impacts the well-being of both children and staff. I chose Rockfon acoustic ceilings, which effectively absorb sound. They are complemented by soft, sound-absorbing materials in classrooms and corridors,” said Dobrochna Kniat. Rockfon Color-all, Rockfon Tropic, and Rockfon Sonar deliver Class A absorption, helping children be comfortable and focused while reducing the need for raised voices.
Nursery design for children’s learning needs
The new wing of at Krasnal Nursery is an example of holistic, intentional approach based on an understanding of children’s developmental needs and the realities of caregivers’ work. It is a space where design supports emotions, acoustics foster calm, and colour works therapeutically. It is not just about improving aesthetics but, rather, about a holistic approach to creating an environment that supports a child in discovering the world every day.
