are taking care of the children, providing
a changeable environment and avoiding
creating an over-stimulating space. In terms
of outdoor play areas, spaces that allow for
active, cognitive and dramatic play don’t need
to be too prescriptive. Architects must work
with landscape architects to create outdoor
areas that have a natural aesthetic that allow
children possibilities to explore, be challenged
and find new, imaginative ways to use the
elements they’re provided. A few logs can be
balancing beams one moment and form a
story circle the next.SpaceS that foSter food educationOne design feature that the operator
prioritised was having the kitchen and a
healthy eating program as an integral part of
the children’s daily activities. Therefore, thekitchen was positioned next to the entry to the
centre. Surrounded by glass, the chef is visible
and everyone can enjoy the smells of the food
being prepared.
The kitchen is connected to a dining area and
courtyard with a kitchen garden. It was great to
work with an operator that saw healthy eating
and food education as a fundamental element
to the centre’s functioning.SuStainabilityA range of sustainable elements were
incorporated into the project. A 60,000 litre
underground water tank helps to effectively
process stormwater while also being utilised
for the flushing of toilets and garden irrigation.
PV cells on the roof generate electricity, while
the whole building is very well insulated which
decreases the demand on heating and coolingrequirements. The building’s orientation allows
an adequate amount of north sun into the
building while the hot western sun is managed
through the introduction of motorised pergolas.
The building really becomes an organism that
can be adjusted to suit the different weather
conditions the children and carers find
themselves in.
Overall, the main sustainable measure
undertaken in this project was the adaptive
reuse of old building stock. In this case, the
approach was to retain the heritage cottage
externally, only adjusting things where the new
use ultimately forced it.
Knocking out walls to make bigger areas
was avoided, instead creating openings through
walls. This created spaces that retained the feel
of an old home and resulted in a feel that is
more homely and in turn more identifiable
for children.above Architecture doesn’t have to compete with the range of elements and activities within a children’s learning space.Architecture & design /projectS/ jul-sep 201946ADQ3_044_047_Childcare_V2.indd 46 26/7/19 5:16 pm