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
sustainability
LEED Gold
Passive House
mass timber

section

infant/toddler play

ages three-to-five play

outdoor play