New Shoots is a group of sustainable, architecturally designed early childhood centres in the upper North Island.
The new shoots design philosophy is centred around daylight, health, low-VOC materials and good ventilation. Light, colour, space and beauty are essential ingredients. The Whenuapai centre encourages imagination, play and fun, while being healthy and safe.
The site lent itself easily to the idea of a structured walkway placed along the length of the building. The Architect wanted to create something playful and interactive for the children, and so created a twisted pergola made from thick gluampine beans for children to hide behind and play hide and seek.
Natural Habitats was engaged to design and build the exterior spaces for the Whenuapai project.
The brief being to integrate the landscape with the building, use natural materials, planting sandpits and natural grass. Children can splash in the water, explore in the grass or hide behind the large, natural pine posts –it’s the ideal environment to encourage imagination, exercise and play.
Read the full project post from Smith Architects.
