NJA Book 2024 Soft Copy - Flipbook - Page 47
The biggest design challenge was establishing access to the
childcare via Eastern Valley Way which is a major road. The
design response proposed shielded the children and staff
from any excessive noise. The setbacks required also created
a buffer to the road which are landscaped to further soften
the appearance of the building to the street. The built form is
driven by an existing stormwater easement across the site.
The context of the site is within a light industrial setting and
was originally a service station. The design response proposed
addressed this in the built form with a new discerning yet
simple building solution, with elements of transparency that
helped reduce the bulk and scale of the building. Ultimately
enhancing the qualities of the area including the neighbouring
sites and streetscape.
Following the closure of the petrol station, the site was
remediated but the soil below ground level was constructed
from uncontrolled fill. The design team amended the structural
concept to incorporate a pile/pad design which eliminated the
need to remove the fill. The result was less truck movements
to and from the site which help reduce carbon emission.
Allowing abundant natural light was one of the key
requirements for achieving a thriving environment for
the children, however large amount of glazing is always
accompanied by a challenge for thermal comfort. All glazing
throughout the centre is high performance glazing which
helps to reduce heating and cooling requirements further
reducing carbon emissions. The fixtures and fittings specified
were high efficiency LED, low flow water taps etc.
