Education

Conversion of an existing weatherboard dwelling into a 42-place childcare centre in Lismore NSW. This unique project involved extending a character filled raised weatherboard dwelling to create a modern childcare centre. A sensitive approach to the building exterior was taken, while the interior fit out was playful and encouraging of development. A key component of the project is highly detailed landscape spaces which responds to the building form, creating safe and fun outdoor environments. The site was also located in an area with very particular flood requirements which needed to be managed carefully from both a design and engineering perspective.

A new purpose built childcare centre in a newly emerging subdivision in Jindabyne NSW. The centre responds to the site’s topography and geometry with a linear building with 2 wings which cranks dramatically to create a dynamic entry, to address a prominent street corner. As a result, a series of vibrant, secure and private outdoor spaces have been created. The centre has been designed with Jindabyne’s unique climate in mind using passive solar design principles, thermal storage / capture and an appropriate building fabric.

The Sports and Recreation Facility forms a community hub at the heart of Charles Sturt University’s Dubbo campus, comprising a multi-use hall; lounge and fitness studio; and multi-use courts and amenities. The new facility provides space for sports and recreation, relaxation, and range of formal and informal function spaces. These spaces are linked by a series of gardens, terraces and courtyards which provide a connection to the surrounding campus. The centre will provide a place for interaction between students, staff and the broader community.

Research House is a new academic office building housing two research groups, providing office space for 54 academic staff; a range of formal and informal meeting and breakout spaces giving the best opportunity for interaction between academics, research students and staff; and supporting print and IT spaces and amenities. Research House has been designed over split levels to give best opportunity for access on the sloping site. Together with the parallel existing Building 28, the new building completed the latest in a sequence of landscape courtyards. Office and open plan spaces are given views out to this landscape and beyond out over the city of Wagga Wagga, while openings to the west are limited to reduce summer heat gain.

A new 100 place purpose built 3 storey Childcare facility located in a NSW Urban Renewal zone adjacent to a series of large multi-unit development. Due to the site’s density, outdoor play spaces are arranged around 2 levels of suspended courtyards linked by a large void and planter below. These courtyards feature a car track, multiple sandpits, vegetable gardens and raised planter beds. The project’s location has also required a tactful response to both visual and acoustic privacy for the centre and adjacent residential flat buildings.

A new purpose built 3 storey building providing : ground floor reception area and parking for parents and staff, and the remaining 2 floors providing 92 childcare spaces across 5 age groups; outdoor play areas on both levels; kitchen for food preparation; bath and change rooms; storeroom; and cleaners room. The site is located adjacent to warehouses on a site bounded by high concrete walls. The centre was designed to be inward looking around a central, north facing courtyard, suspended above ground level. This allows for a fun, secure outside space accessible to all rooms.