Black Line One X Architecture Studio

Grange Road Kindergarten

Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking

GRANGE ROAD KINDERGARTEN

Bloxas - Black Line One X Architecture Studio

ARCHITECTS
Bloxas - Black Line One X Architecture Studio

PHOTOGRAPHS
Ben Hosking

LOCATION
Melbourne VIC, Australia

PROJECT YEAR
2012

CATEGORY
Kindergarten

Text description provided by architect.

This project was part of the Victoria state government’s 2010-11 early childhood development initiative, and was completed in March 2012.

Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking
Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking

The approach to learning at the Grange Road Kindergarten is one of discovery through play.

The educational environment utilizes internal and external spaces, so the design created unrestricted connection between the playground and the classroom.

Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking
Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking

This sentiment continues throughout the new design enabling physical and visual connection to the external spaces.

The design encompasses transitional decking and ramp, a more pronounced entry and lobby, an increase in square meterage through the re-working of an existing classroom, and utilization of interstitial spaces.

Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking
Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking

On approach to the kindergarten children are invited and excited by the gradient of vibrant colours upon the low-height pailingfence which hovers over the blue gum timber ramp.

Upon arriving at the kinder each day the design attempts to incite happiness and inspiration to the child’s day.

Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking
Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking

These elements, incorporating tiered timber seating at the site’s approach, now provides a fun, light filled, transitional space, wide enough for times of heavy pedestrian traffic and informal conversations, along with the storage of bicycles and prams.

Entry into the new light filled room gives direct views into the playground and the chance to look back towards the site’s access from Grange Road.

The new front classroom is flooded with northern and eastern light. The northern elevation contains a pop-out plywood window seat offering a place for the children to sit in the morning and afternoon sun.

Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking
Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking

The new ceiling line is raked, increasing both the sight connection with the surrounding tree tops, and enabling eastern light which contributes to the depth of space.

The external canopy colour mimics the sun-dappled leaves, enhancing the connection with the natural environment, whilst offering shelter above theatrette style timber seating.

Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking
Grange Road Kindergarten
© Ben Hosking

These alterations and additions enhance the values and atmosphere the kinder community has worked to create. Interconnecting and transitional spaces remove boundaries, and create a sense of unity throughout the project and building’s entirety.


Grange Road Kindergarten
Plan

Black Line One X Architecture Studio
T +61 409 255144
Black Line One X Architecture Studio
1/180 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia