Challenge

To provide the best possible indoor and outdoor environment for young children and their careers in the harsh climatic conditions of Cobar we sought to create a building with its own protected microclimate. We also wanted an early learning centre to be a pivotal piece in the building of community and so designed a building that can be used flexibly by the community after the traditional child care hours.  

Response

The result of responding to the challenges above is a building that acts as a hard external shell to a delicate central core, appropriately designed to facilitate children to grow and learn. Classrooms, office spaces and amenities are organised around a central courtyard that acts as a secure landscaped play-space. The main controlled entrance and foyer space is marked by blue glazed bricks and houses supporting administrative and parent communication needs whilst also doubling as a children’s library. The internal spaces are arranged to cater to the different user groups including parent-child play groups and early childhood support groups and allows for separation without segregation. Outside of operating hours, the Centre can be used as a community gathering space with limited access to the foyer space and toilets.

The Cobar Early Learning Centre is currently under construction and is expected to finish in mid-2024.