Giraffe

It was an absolute pleasure to fit out another centre for these lovely clients. One of three over three years!

The owners are a busy young family who know first hand children need space to play and explore and fresh air and greenery to grow and thrive. Designed by the award-winning Collingridge and Smith Architects, this is a unique, innovative and sustainable build situated in the bustling residential centre of Mt Albert. An ingenious ultilisation of limited space, capturing the demand for childcare within a busy residential catchment. Giraffe Early Learning Centre is licenced for 100 children aged Birth-6 years. GELC overlooks the most glorious ancient Pohutukawa trees, Three Kings Reserve and Te Taua-a-Riukiuta volcano beyond.  

GELC is inspired by nature and rare wildlife, particularly the Giraffe. Built over two floors, each of the 4 classrooms connects to lush outdoor playgrounds. Foliage is planted to attract insects and birds, while purifying the air for a healthy environment. The lush jungle will eventually cloak the walls of the under two playground downstairs and form a natural shade canopy over the over two playground upstairs creating a semi tropical wonderland in no time!

In the wild, Giraffe roam the open grasslands in small groups. GELC’s classrooms have been designed to provide areas for small groups of children to move throughout the day and settle to explore, play and rest. This gives GELC an open, airy and intimate feel. Playful trees, organic green mounds, circular ply shelving and circular carpet pools and a sea of hanging water drop cocoons provide a wonderful landscape to develop children’s independence and curiosity. Employing a simple material palette, the soothing colour scheme creates a sense of harmony and softness.

Ee was given full licence to create a resource collection for GELC. We focused on natural open-ended resources handcrafted by our favourite makers from wood, wool, silk and metal. These have created beautiful, calm, sensory spaces that offer children endless opportunities to use their hundred languages.

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