Arriving in a semi-circular drop off wrapped around a Pohutakawa tree, this early learning centre presents itself with a wrap around glass facade and over-sailing glulam timber roof.

The client wanted a statement early learning centre, and the double height, barrel vaulted main facade does just that.

Including a cafe and an after hours kids club, the front portion of the building is also the main entrance to the early learning centre, pointing to the classrooms beyond, topped with a wing-like diagrid timber glulam roof.

Once through the freeform entrance, the centre reverts to a calmer, orthogonal version of the front; with wings to the north west and southwest corners constructed using stacked concrete blockwork set out to tight 45º geometry.

Full height sliding doors open to a perimeter garden play space for the children and provide natural ventilation to the centre’s classrooms. The cafe, entrance hall and after hours club are also naturally ventilated.

Facts + Figures

Client: Tiny Voice and LEP Construction
Location: Hobsonville, Auckland,
New Zealand

Construction cost: Confidential
Area: 1500m²
Programme: Completed 2020

Project Team: Phil Smith, Graham Collingridge, Akash Kumar, Zena Gerrard

Construction: LEP Construction
Landscaper: LEP Construction

Image Credit: Jono Parker, Mark Scowen