Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead

Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Image 2 of 21Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Windows, Beam, Facade, BenchBubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Facade, WindowsBubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Image 5 of 21Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - More Images+ 16

  • Education Consultant: Arina
  • Structural / Building Services Engineering: Wood and Grieve Engineers
  • Land Surveyor: Nacha Moore
  • Building Surveyor: Mc Kenzie Group
  • Ghd Woodhead Team: Pádraig Sinnott, Graham Bolton, Seán O’Dwyer, Derek Pitt, Diahnn Sullivan, Matt Findlay, Brent Railton, Pippa Howard, Nina Carrington, Kevin Ngundu, Martin Duboski
  • City: Saint Kilda
  • Country: Australia
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Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Windows, Facade
© Martin Saunders Photography

Text description provided by the architects. The City of Port Philip council commissioned GHD Woodhead to design the new integrated childcare and community hub to service the growing needs of the children and families in the surrounding community. The site located at 171 Chapel Street, St Kilda has a strong history in providing childcare to the community with a Baby Health Centre first been established on the site at in 1938.

Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Windows
© Martin Saunders Photography

In 1971 a new Children's Centre and Maternal & Child Health Centre was erected on the same site, which remained until of GHD Woodhead engagement for the redevelopment of 171 Chapel Street.

Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Windows, Beam, Facade, Bench
© Martin Saunders Photography

The existing childcare centre was demolished with the site revitalised to provide more effective links with adjacent community amenities, increasing the community facilities on site, the childcare places offered and family services, based on local demand.

Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Image 5 of 21
© Martin Saunders Photography

The new ‘L-shape’ facility is nestled between the imposing City of Port Philip council chambers, a historic church and expansive playing fields. Yet, the dynamic angled entrance off Carlisle Street provides an identifiable, welcoming and accessible entry experience – increasing physical and visual access and encouraging community use and interaction.

Ground Floor Plan

The GHD Woodhead design provides a flexible approach to community use, with multi-use rooms and venues alongside child care, children’s health and parenting facilities which move with the needs of the community.

Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Shelving, Beam
© Martin Saunders Photography

The facility is a multi-sensorial built form and natural environment aimed at stimulating the minds and bodies of children and their families. The building makes use of varied light, colour, and tactile material experiences to encourage and inspire exploration and learning.

Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Windows, Facade
© Martin Saunders Photography

Throughout the design process the project team focused on:

  • The use of sensory and sustainable materials and construction methods
  • Multi-function and adaptability – flexible spaces which respond to the needs of the users and the community
  • Sanctuary – a facility which provides a secure, safe and comfortable haven for learning

Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Windows, Facade
© Martin Saunders Photography

Through effective research and collaboration, the resulting design creates a benchmark for childcare facilities and an exciting environment for community nucleus.

Floor Plan

After wide consultation the name Bubup Nairm was accepted by the City of Port Phillip Council. Bubup is local Aboriginal Boon Wurrung meaning children and Nairm is Port Phillip Bay. i.e. “ Children of Port Philip Bay”.

Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Chair, Beam, Stairs, Facade, Handrail
© Martin Saunders Photography

This centre is based on a model of integration which brings together at a local level, various programs in a seamless service to ensure better coordination and simpler access for all families, providing a welcoming and enriching place that nurtures and supports children and families offering such facilities as:

  • 116 No.  licensed children’s services places with generous outdoor spaces
  • 3 No. Maternal and child health services
  • 2 No. dedicated Playgroup Rooms
  • 2 Dedicated Spaces for playgroups
  • New parent groups
  • Immunisation services
  • Early childhood intervention services
  • Family services
  • Multi-purpose room for community use
  • Outdoor Playgroup Spaces

An integrated service response of this nature supports consistent and timely intervention for families, children and young people, particularly those most in need.

Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Brick, Facade, Windows
© Martin Saunders Photography

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Project location

Address:171 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead" 17 Nov 2015. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/777102/bubup-nairm-childrens-centre-ghd-woodhead> ISSN 0719-8884

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