The University of South Australia owned the TAFE operated child care centre in the western end of Hindley Street in Adelaide’s western CBD. The original site was immediately adjacent the new Jeffrey Smart Building. UniSA had earmarked this site for redevelopment to accommodate the new UniSA Great Hall creating a ceremonial and activity centre for the UniSA City West campus.

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UniSA engaged Grieve Gillett Architects to prepare designs and oversee delivery of a new 96 child care centre using modular construction. Grieve Gillett Architects has a long working relationship with Lady Gowrie and Gowrie advisers were part of our team. Working collaboratively with UniSA, the centre was planned and spaces were crafted to support the care and learning philosophies of Lady Gowrie childcare. Children are acknowledged as active and competent learners. Spaces are designed to support collaborative learning and engagement between parents, teaching staff and children.

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Natural light, natural ventilation, natural finishes and discrete use of colour reinforce Gowrie principles and improve education outcomes. All internal spaces open to varied and vibrant external space, allowing a variety of experimental play with integrated exercise circuit.

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Modular construction was selected to maintain future development flexibility of the site. Modular construction provided programme benefits as modular units were fabricated off site while site remediation works were undertaken. Modular construction also facilitates simplified future relocation to an alternative site freeing the CBD site for more intensive education core based development. Grieve Gillett Architects prepared design and documentation to suit modular methodologies and worked closely with the modular contractor to deliver the project.