Kensington Childcare Centre

Mar 4

A light-filled learning environment for young children in a leafy suburb of Perth

Project info

Client: Charter Hall
Location: Kensington, WA
Traditional owners: Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation
Value: $2.75 Million
Date: 2020
Collaborators: CSA
Image credit: Andrew Pritchard

Charter Hall commissioned TRCB in conjunction with CSA to design a play-based childcare centre in Kensington, just south of the Perth CBD. Our architectural response capitalises on the corner site’s orientation to create an enriching and light-filled learning environment over two levels for 96 children aged 0–5.

The site has been configured to optimise building performance and minimise impact on the neighbouring residential properties. Large outdoor areas on both levels capture northern light and provide extensive outdoor play spaces.

To resolve the architectural challenge posed by the upper-level play deck, we designed its external screen to be similar to a building facade – with large openings that mediate and balance outlook, natural light, and acoustic and noise-control requirements. This includes smaller-scale glazed openings that give good views of the landscape and street beyond.

The building’s form takes its cues from its surroundings: the main building features a pair of long gables that reflect the cottage character of the suburb while a lower roofline on the southern frontage negotiates the shift in scale between the new building and its neighbour.