Cassarate is a neighbourhood in Lugano characterised by heterogeneous, multi-storey apartment houses. The pre-school, which was erected in two phases, stands in clear contrast to its surroundings: with the exception of the entrance area, it is a single-storey structure. And the structure presents a clear edge to the public realm.

The predominant material (otherwise uncommon here) is a further sign of autonomy. The 46 trapezoidal wood modules with sloped roofs are arranged such that each group has two main spaces, a cloakroom-and-lavatory module, and a space for meals. A central hall, covered but unheated, serves as a shared play space; it can be opened to the courtyards by means of glazed elements.