Project Description
Peacocks Early Learning Centre, Epsom
A purpose designed childcare for a prominent corner site on a main road into central Auckland. The design responds in scale to both the road frontage and the residential side street.
The design achieves this by splitting the bulk into three simple boxes housing the various age groups (babies, toddlers and preschool) which then engages with the residential street through the glazed sliding walls. A simple steel railed fence to the boundary, on which planting will soften over time, allows some permeability of the outdoor play area onto the residential street, allowing interaction between children and passers-by, making a positive contribution to the life of the city.
Along the main road facade, a simple glazed opening with blades coloured alternately on each side (red one side, yellow on the other) allows views between classroom and street. The blades shade the glazing and block out the vehicular movement. From one direction the building appears red, in the other it appears yellow.
The box forms are also expressed internally along the circulation route where circular and square window seats penetrate both classroom and circulation allowing glimpses of staff, parents and carers to the children inside the rooms.
Facts + Figures
Client: Peacocks Early Learning Centres
Location: Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand
Construction cost: NZD 700,000
Area: 350m²
Programme: Completed 2016
