Creative Space has been commissioned to design a new childcare centre located in Mount Maunganui. With a restrictive site and tight budget constraints as well as the challenge of Ministry of Education requirements needing to be met, our solution is an efficient and practical design which results in a quality educational facility. 

Design emphasis has been placed on several key factors including efficient use of available space, visual connection between spaces and a strong link with the licensed outdoor areas.  An onerous carparking requirement and necessity for substantial licensed outdoor areas meant that the building footprint had to be within a specific size. This resulted in service rooms and spaces not being able to fit into this footprint.

The client had a strict requirement to not have a two storey building which meant that the incorporation of a loft space was needed instead. This design solution then required some creative ways to break up the mass of the building from the street which has been achieved with the addition of a large horizontal verandah, full height vertical joinery units and the introduction of vertical cedar cladding. 

The building form also refers to its function of a childcare centre with the introduction of more lively elements such as coloured glass panels and an asymmetrical roof gable which will be complimented by a dynamic interior colour scheme.

Currently this project is in the detailed design phase, and it is anticipated it will be open for business by mid- to late 2018. The childcare centre will be a valuable addition to a community requiring more quality early education facilities.