This modern, multi-story building features vertical wood siding and slatted screens. The parking area includes unique yellow wavy line markings that matches the style of fence it leads to, all under an evening sky.
← Back to Projects

Lady Gowrie South Hobart

Hobart, Tasmania 2016

A play terrain that blurs the boundaries of age.

Children look at the world differently. So, for this South Hobart childcare centre, we reclaimed our childlike sense of wonder, and put the playful into the would-be ordinary.

Lady Gowrie offers education and care for children in Tasmania. Aiming to integrate the child care, training and community aspects of the business with a 'whole centre' approach, it was important that this new site maintained a non-institutional feel. Acid bright yellows and pinks, stacked and shifted 'Jenga' block storeys, and an orange slide swooping into a sandpit felt more like the vision.

Towering timber stacks.

The site had formerly been a petrol station, car showroom and mechanics workshop. The warehouses had a raw, utilitarian scale and materiality, marked with automotive paraphernalia. Though at first glance it felt contradictory to the new purpose, we aimed to playfully incorporate this history rather than erase it.

With a joyfulness to appeal to children, our timber-clad design referenced stacked timber blocks. These shifting storeys also created opportunities: double-height play space, a central void allowing sun to throw patterns over the interior, and a lemon tree-filled terrace with mountain views.

This bright room features slatted wood ceilings, a grey circular rug, and a large round window with a built-in seat where a child is sitting. Low white shelving and a small wooden activity table furnish the space, which opens to an outdoor area via large glass doors.

Play meets purpose.

Much of our design allows for informal learning opportunities. A loose pinwheel approach fosters vertical circulation, breakout spaces and chance encounters. Transparent spaces also encourage passive observation, creating a learning environment for children and adults alike. We also added climbing walls, interactive joinery and playful balustrades to create visual connections between spaces.

To formally reflect on Lady Gowrie's 'children first' mantra, we positioned children's play at the front of the building, above the public entrance. The entry 'fun tunnel', a collaboration with local artist Judith Abell, also employs art as a device to engage, enthral and distract.

This outdoor play area features an artificial turf lawn and a unique yellow wavy fence set into a white wall. In the background, a modern building with vertical wood siding overlooks the space.
This close-up features a circular cutout in a light-wood structure, forming a small tunnel. A vibrant yellow element and glass partition are visible through the opening. This bathroom features two white sinks with bright yellow faucets. Three circular mirrors hang above, and matching yellow circles are painted on the floor.
This bright playroom features a large circular window and glass doors with nursery rhyme text. A carer and children are playing on a grey rug surrounded by low white shelving and various wooden toys.
Looking up through the centre of the building, the view features wood-panelled walls and slatted screens surrounding a square opening to the sky. Several large windows are set into the facade, reflecting the clouds above. This structure is built from OSB (oriented strand board) with a vibrant pink interior and purple floors. It features large circular cutouts and cushioned bench seating where people are gathered.
This area features a circular yellow slide and a large opening overlooking an indoor courtyard. The courtyard contains a sandpit and small trees under a high ceiling with industrial timber trusses.
This outdoor play area features a yellow slide and a wooden climbing ramp with ropes. Children are playing on the equipment and a set of wide wooden steps, which are accented by a vibrant yellow railing. This close-up features a grey brick wall embedded with several reflective metallic inserts. A vibrant yellow railing runs horizontally across the brickwork and bends vertically against the edge of the wall.
This hallway features grey brick walls with reflective inserts and a large circular window looking into a playroom. A yellow railing follows the curve of the window, and a woman walks toward a glass door marked with a large yellow "Welcome" circle.
This corridor features grey brick walls with reflective inserts, a slatted wood ceiling, and a large circular window. A yellow railing leads toward a white planter and a matching vibrant yellow fence at the walkway's end. This indoor play area features a light-wood climbing ramp with ropes and a set of wide wooden steps. Vibrant yellow railings with a wavy design border the top level, while large circular light fixtures glow on the ceiling above.
This white wall features a circular information board, a vibrant yellow pipe runs along the top of the wall and transitions into a wavy, slatted fence design.
This library or reading area features tall wooden bookshelves and built-in purple cushioned seating recessed into the wall. A vibrant yellow circle is painted on the grey carpeted floor, while slatted wood screens filter natural light from the large windows. This open-plan office features a large, bright yellow ventilation duct running across the ceiling above purple-topped cubicles. In the background, a structure made of OSB (oriented strand board) contains a recessed pink nook with a circular entrance.
This indoor area features a large wooden tiered seating structure and a vibrant pink counter with a yellow faucet. A person is walking up the stairs, which are lined with vibrant yellow railing. Red pendant lights hang from the ceiling, adding a pop of colour to the neutral white walls. This staircase features dark grey steps and a vibrant yellow railing against a textured concrete wall. A large yellow circular sign provides floor directions next to a glass door.
Gemini said This indoor courtyard features a central sandpit, artificial turf, and a bright yellow slide. The space is enclosed by wood-panelled and brick walls under a high, glass-panelled ceiling with industrial timber trusses.

Related

Peter Walker
Team

Peter Walker
Lady Gowrie Midway Point
Project

Lady Gowrie Midway Point
Muylatina Child and Family Learning Centre
Project

Muylatina Child and Family Learning Centre
Legana Primary School
Project

Legana Primary School