The Crossing Preschool / 2019

This Childcare Facility is a new 600m² building constructed on top of the existing 7 story carpark structure at The Crossing complex in Central Christchurch.

Designed for a role of 100 children the facility comprises 4 large Play rooms with pods between to house support functions such as quite room, resource room, kitchens and ablutions. The building is orientated to maximise the panoramic views over Christchurch while providing a safe haven for the care of preschool children.

The pavilion building has been clad in white metal cladding that is separated from the roof by a negative recess. The net effect is a floating roof plane that extends out to provide protected outdoor areas. The pavilion typology is further enhanced by the timber decking at floor level that provides a raised transitional space between the interior and the playground that has been specially designed for the site as an outdoor oasis for children’s play.

The pods housing the support functions project beyond the building line to help break down the large scale of the building and are clad in timber weatherboard to provide some softness.

Staff facilities are positioned at the end of the building to provide breakout spaces away from the play rooms while still allowing passive observation over the children’s outdoor play area.