Homebush Childcare
ArtMade were approached by residential developers wanting to diversify their portfolio with a vision to develop a flagship childcare centre.
The proposal is looked upon as a 'transition development' between the high rise multi res to the west and two storey 'walk up's' to the east. The street facade aims to create a balance of a 'dual occupancy' and a contemporary 'podium' to a multi res. Utmost care has been taken to ensure that no shadowing of private open space takes place and hence the proposal has increased side setback to the east.
A restrained approach of 2 x two storey has been considered to be an acceptable sympathetic response to existing eastern multi residential precinct. The ‘break’ in the forms reduces and humanises the scale of the street frontage also marking the entry to the centre. This entry has been identified as a clear axis throughout the precinct visually connecting the landscaped outdoor plays on both levels and further connects the landscape to the rear of the site.
The main concept for Homebush centre is to have a central outdoor area easily accessible (physically) and visually connected from all indoor playrooms.
This outdoor play area is open to sky allows sunlight to penetrate to indoor playrooms,'s allowing for visual connections (to and fro) to the outdoor play located on first floor.
In addition to the central courtyard, each playroom revolves around a light well, softened by a deep soil planter box ensuring that kids are always connected to landscape and enjoy solar access. Furthermore, seating has been allocated next to these planters encouraging and adding value to day-to-day educator-children interaction.
A free-flowing form with undulating curves has been adopted to avoid any sharp edges. A simple cost-effective render finish complementing the form has been specified with 'the aim to have a cost and time effective build.
The application is currently in last stages with the council.
| Client | TBC |
| Project | Purpose Built Childcare Centre |
| Engagement | DA |
| Status | DA Approved |
| Capacity | 107 kids |
| Area | 1460m² |
| Value | $3.9M |
