A thriving urban community is shaped by the relationship between housing, education, nature, services and infrastructure. When these functions are planned together, proximity directly contributes to quality of life and to the way people experience their everyday routines.

Within the ERA community, this vision takes shape through Little Penguin, the public nursery and kindergarten developed by Hexagon and handed over to the Municipality of Cluj-Napoca.

The project provides educational infrastructure for 120 children, on a site of approximately 2,000 sqm, in a building where architecture, landscape and technology have been conceived as parts of a single, integrated system.

“For us, a well-designed community means natural living, education, sustainability and services brought together through a shared vision. Micul Pinguin translates this approach into an investment dedicated to children, families and the city.” - Hexagon representative

The project brings together a range of architectural, landscape and technical solutions designed around the building’s everyday use:

• 120 places for children;
• 2,000 sqm total site area;
• 1,000 sqm of usable floor area across two levels;
• 320 sqm terrace;
• 820 sqm of green space;
• 700 sqm of ground-level green space;
• 120 sqm landscaped green slope designed as a playful slide;
• approximately 300 sqm of green roof;
• main spaces with ceiling heights of up to 3.30 m;
• 40 photovoltaic panels, with an estimated installed capacity of 20 kW;
• 530 sqm of AGROB BUCHTAL ceramic façade with photocatalytic properties. When exposed to light, the ceramic surface activates photocatalytic processes that help break down certain impurities and pollutants while supporting the material’s self-cleaning properties. Materiality therefore becomes part of the building’s technical performance, alongside its energy systems and landscape solutions; the HEXAGON energy system, featuring radiant ceiling heating and cooling, complemented by underfloor heating.

The building’s configuration responds to the way children experience and use space throughout the day.

The main areas feature generous ceiling heights and abundant natural light, while the interior layout is complemented by an approximately 320 sqm terrace, extending educational activities outdoors.

This continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces becomes part of the everyday experience, creating different settings for learning, movement, play and interaction.

The HEXAGON energy system in an educational building

Thermal comfort is supported by the HEXAGON energy system, powered by geothermal and solar energy, with technical systems integrated directly into the building’s architectural and structural elements.

Radiant ceilings provide both heating and cooling, supporting an even distribution of temperature throughout the spaces, while underfloor heating complements the system in areas used by children every day.

Together, these technical solutions contribute to energy efficiency, indoor comfort and greater functional flexibility.

Education integrated into community life

The location of the nursery and kindergarten within the ERA community brings education closer to home and supports an urban model built around proximity.

For families, this translates into shorter everyday journeys and easier access to one of the essential functions of daily life. At community level, education becomes part of the same ecosystem as housing, green spaces and services.

Completed in 2026, Little Penguin was handed over to the Municipality of Cluj-Napoca to operate as a public nursery and kindergarten.

Natural Living at the scale of a community

Little Penguin translates the principles of the Manifesto for Natural Living into educational infrastructure: purposeful design, long-term comfort, sustainability, connection with nature, community and proximity.

Through this project, Hexagon brings together architecture, landscape, technology and education in a space designed for the community and for the generations who will grow up here.

“Investment in a community is reflected in the quality of the spaces we create today and in the value they generate over time. Little Penguin is an investment in education, in the city and in the generations to come.”

Hexagon - People deserve better spaces.