The eye-catching new School of Early Learning in North Perth has opened, effortlessly blending an iconic 1900’s, red brick federation Police Station with the industrial elements of concrete and steel, creating an inspiring and unequivocally beautiful building.
Tom Godden Architects, alongside Matthew Crawford Architects, were appointed to design the new building.
Architect Tom Godden welcomed the news of the building’s opening and provided insight into the building’s design processes.
“We envisaged a multi-storey, dynamic learning environment for the North Perth School of Early Learning,” he shared.
“A three-storey, raw concrete and steel addition to the 1907 North Perth Police Station included elevated sky gardens, sky bridges and boutique internal environments, all carefully designed for the fundaments of childcare operation and principles.”
The building’s unique vertical inter-connectivity between levels allows children of all age groups to interact and develop learning outcomes in a social, relaxed atmosphere.
According to Godden Architects, the building consists of off-form concrete, galvanised steel, glass and plywood, ensuring a natural environment in an urban setting.
The project also involved tight timeframes and cost constraints due to limited funding, with physical constraints due to the rigid site accessibility. This saw Rawlinsons (W.A.) getting involved as Quantity Surveyors to ensure the project met the strict deadline, within the allocated budget.
Rawlinsons Director, Niall McAree, said the project experienced many discrepancies, which is commonplace in any construction project.
“However, by conducting continuous reviews and remeasures, along with an experienced project team, ensured the project not only met its August 2018 opening date but also achieved a saving of $47,000 in contractor over claims,” said Mr McAree.
The School of Early Learning offers families of North Perth and its surrounds a state of the art educational environment for children under six years old.
More information on the project can be found here.