Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead

Curated by ArchDaily

Architects: GHD Woodhead
Photographs:Martin Saunders Photography
Builder: Allmore Construction
Landscape Architecture: Botanical Traditions
Quantity Surveyor: Rodd Vapp + Assoc, Prowse Quantity Surveyors
Structural Engineering: Wood & Grieve Engineers
Building Services Engineering: Wood & Grieve Engineers
Interior Design: GHD Woodhead

Text description provided by the architects. The City of Port Philip council commissioned GHD Woodhead to design the new integrated childcare and community hub to service the growing needs of the children and families in the surrounding community. The site located at 171 Chapel Street, St Kilda has a strong history in providing childcare to the community with a Baby Health Centre first been established on the site at in 1938.

In 1971 a new Children's Centre and Maternal & Child Health Centre was erected on the same site, which remained until of GHD Woodhead engagement for the redevelopment of 171 Chapel Street.

The existing childcare centre was demolished with the site revitalised to provide more effective links with adjacent community amenities, increasing the community facilities on site, the childcare places offered and family services, based on local demand.

The new ‘L-shape’ facility is nestled between the imposing City of Port Philip council chambers, a historic church and expansive playing fields. Yet, the dynamic angled entrance off Carlisle Street provides an identifiable, welcoming and accessible entry experience – increasing physical and visual access and encouraging community use and interaction.

The GHD Woodhead design provides a flexible approach to community use, with multi-use rooms and venues alongside child care, children’s health and parenting facilities which move with the needs of the community.

The facility is a multi-sensorial built form and natural environment aimed at stimulating the minds and bodies of children and their families. The building makes use of varied light, colour, and tactile material experiences to encourage and inspire exploration and learning.

Throughout the design process the project team focused on:

The use of sensory and sustainable materials and construction methods
Multi-function and adaptability – flexible spaces which respond to the needs of the users and the community
Sanctuary – a facility which provides a secure, safe and comfortable haven for learning

Through effective research and collaboration, the resulting design creates a benchmark for childcare facilities and an exciting environment for community nucleus.

After wide consultation the name Bubup Nairm was accepted by the City of Port Phillip Council. Bubup is local Aboriginal Boon Wurrung meaning children and Nairm is Port Phillip Bay. i.e. “ Children of Port Philip Bay”.

Bubup Nairm Children's Centre / GHD Woodhead - Chair, Beam, Stairs, Facade, Handrail — © Martin Saunders Photography

This centre is based on a model of integration which brings together at a local level, various programs in a seamless service to ensure better coordination and simpler access for all families, providing a welcoming and enriching place that nurtures and supports children and families offering such facilities as:

116 No. licensed children’s services places with generous outdoor spaces
3 No. Maternal and child health services
2 No. dedicated Playgroup Rooms
2 Dedicated Spaces for playgroups
New parent groups
Immunisation services
Early childhood intervention services
Family services
Multi-purpose room for community use
Outdoor Playgroup Spaces

An integrated service response of this nature supports consistent and timely intervention for families, children and young people, particularly those most in need.