Oxley Childcare Centre New Build

C&K Oxley Childcare centre is a three storey 'tree house' situated in the natural bushland of Oxley, Brisbane. The centre is designed to be open, flexible and inclusive of the site's history in each room and playground. With this in mind, the building, on a steep site, is designed as a ‘tree house’ over an imagined Oxley Creek with an abundance history of fauna, flora and Indigenous significance.

The creek is the 'glue' to this design.

The Creek runs from the main road, through Level 3 carpark, becomes a waterfall then flows through the ablutions on Level 2, then flows into a water slide to Level 1 below. It then transforms into an Indigenous ‘Serpentine’ dry creek bed through the rear landscaped area.

All levels are designed to symbolise certain parts of a 'tree house':

Level 3 – Within the canopy

The reception area ceiling is covered with acoustic leaves and foliage, interspersed with nuts that are the hanging lights.
Toddlers and Babies rooms have silhouetted leaves on the ceiling, reflecting the canopy.

Level 2 – Under the canopy

The dining area waterfall and creek has rocks, foliage and animals painted by an Aboriginal artist.
The ceilings of these Pre Kindy & Kindy rooms are acoustic blades to resemble tree branches below the canopy.

Level 1 – Ground level

The area is painted with tree trunks and animals. This reflects what this area was once like, including Indigenous totems.
The observation pod is supported by tree like structure which overlooks the bushland and rear landscaped area.
Rear landscape area with fruit trees and outdoor exploration and activity nodes.

Award Winner : Learning Environments Australasia - Queensland Awards for Landscaping / Outdoor Learning Area

Commendation Received: Learning Environments Australasia - Queensland Awards for New Construction / Entire New Education Facility

Located on the land of the Jagera and Turball peoples.