Acton Ostry Architects

The 136-space childcare expansion is located at the edge of a lightly forested sloping site, adjacent to an existing childcare facility and a soon to be new student residence building. The orthogonal form includes outdoor play areas at each end and mid-way along its length. A bridge-like loggia recalls the existing childcare facility through memory-markers of wood trellises, struts, soffits and skylights. A similar structure runs along the north edge to provide covered play protection below and access to treed-forts above where small squares of forest floor are raised for outdoor play. An informal jumble of unabashed made-by-hand play-follies-and-fences line the forest edge, reflecting the endearing spirit of place and well-worn play-spaces of the much-beloved existing childcare.

project

SFU Childcare Expansion

location

Burnaby, BC

client

Simon Fraser University

completion

2027

size

2,100

.

plaza approach

sustainability

LEED Gold
Passive House
mass timber

.

plaza approach

SFU Childcare Society recognizes the significance of place-based pedagogy and aim to ignite a world of possibilities, curiosity and a sense of wonder for the children in our care.

SFU Child Care Society

.

aerial

.

play-bridge

.

section

.

infant/toddler play

.

ages three-to-five play

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outdoor play