New Shoots

Located in the far north of the North Island, our approach to the design of this new childcare centre imagined a series of lodges joined under one roof - a reflection of the comfortable environment and for children to interact with their surroundings in a more natural way.

Four pavilions are arranged in a cruciform layout, rotated 45º to create a route into the centre through planters and pocket gardens from the drop off; and providing routes to filter from a central garden out to the perimeter gardens, via more pocket gardens.

The pavilions are enveloped by a swooping, curving timber diagrid roof, which unifies the building and provides covered external spaces between the pavilions and to the perimeter gardens. Classrooms, activity rooms, and the kitchen can open up via sliding doors to both the interior and perimeter gardens.

Natural timber finishes to the walls, decking and roof soffit, as well as the timber beams, provide a warmth and softness throughout the centre, complemented by extensive planting.

Rooms are naturally vented through the large sliding doors, or through louvred glass windows in inclement weather.

As such, there are no corridors in this centre - the client very much wanted an open building, where movement between the pavilions forces one to go outside and engage with the outside world. The central, partially covered, partially uncovered garden is therefore the circulation space, as well as being outdoor learning and playing space, outdoor dining room, and so on.

Architects:
Collingridge And Smith Architects

Structural Engineers:
Markplan Structural & Civil Engineers

Civil Engineers:
Markplan Structural & Civil Engineers

Sustainability, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineers:
Cosgroves

Fire Engineers:
Cosgroves

Cost Consultancy:
Kwanto

Main Contractor:
David Lenssen Builders

Photography:
Amanda Aitken Photography