The Renfrew Station YMCA Child Care Centre is part of the Broadway Tech Centre Building 6, the last of the buildings in the highly successful Vancouver business campus. The daycare offers early childhood care from 18 months to 5 years for employees and the community, and features bright open indoor areas that open out to the 480m2 exterior play spaces.
The curvilinear design of planter walls, sand areas, raised decks, interactive water feature and raised tricycle loops plays off the water theme of the office parks with its numerous curving water features and lush planted areas. The large central play structure and playhouses where customized to allow for maximizing play space and an integrated design between the 2 age group spaces.
The use of custom timber seating and natural basalt stone, was integrated with the more industrial pallet of concrete, black metal and stainless steel which are used throughout the rest of the project.
SD worked closely with the client, the operator and the licensing officers to create a flexible, and safe play environment that is open and comfortable, while providing the children with lots of opportunities for active, creative and imaginary play. Our firm also coordinated with the contractor to refine the design during construction to create lush planted areas and play areas that function for the children and operators while being durable and easily maintained.
Photos by: Brett Hitchins