Mitchell park kindergarten, HAMILTON

This is a project of modest means but maximum impact. Mitchell Park Kindergarten serves a community that are richly deserving of care, who have occupied a dilapidated building for many years.

 

Typical of its era, the original postwar design had a simple flat-roofed, brick veneer envelope, with timber windows and exposed open web steel roof framing. Within the context of a tight budget, a strategic decision was made to retain the structure of the existing building and make targeted refurbishments to the internal and external fabric.

 

The design focusses squarely on the basics: improving thermal performance, flooding the classroom with natural light and increasing connection to the outdoors. A generous new translucent covered verandah enlarges the activity area for children, at a minimum cost.

 

The kindergarten has historically been attended by a high proportion of children with First Nations heritage and the design acknowledges this cultural connection through both its form and colour palette. A new external ramp, wider doorways and upgraded toilets also provide much-needed improvements to accessibility and as a result, the first child with special access needs has now been enrolled.

 

Despite limited resources, and through the perseverance of a determined client, this formerly neglected building has been reimagined as a place of delight, comfort and pride. The success of this transformation is borne out by improved attendance and more engaged children.

 

In the words of long-serving educator, Amelia Ball, “Since moving into the new kinder we have noticed a distinct sense of community. This was poignantly shown when families tendered our vegetable garden over the summer months. The new building is calm, inviting, and restful. A sense of comfort and tranquility permeates the space and there has been a noticeable increased respect for the facility.”

 

A new landscaped playground will complete the project and is due to be installed in the near future.