grandesign pty ltd in western australia: Just kidding around. Child Care refit.

The old house being used as a meeting place.

This job was a 'pleasure and pain' to be involved in. An old house being used as a meeting place as part of a church complex was to be upgraded to be used during the week as a Child Care Centre and needs to meet the complex regulations. I was drafted into a team of professionals and volunteer enthusiasts with a vested interest to see this project come to fruition and recently attended the official opening. What was really exciting was the centre had already been in operation for several weeks and rather than just walking through a new building, there was lots of colour and signs of activity, toys, drawings and equipment to show how the building was really functional and successful. The transformation from old and tired to bright and fresh was inspirational.

New boundary walls were erected to create a safe environment for the kids and also dampen their noise from the surrounding residential homes. Glass and perforated steel panels were used to break up the solid fence.

A new reception area was created. The existing fireplace was retained as a feature but no longer a working fireplace, faced in a light marble finish.

Space for two at reception to work and welcome arrivals and check out departures.

Security in child care is an important consideration.

New play areas fitted out complete with sandpits, faux grass and vegetable gardens.

Play areas for different ages were built.

They had really done a fantastic job of creating interesting gardens to explore. This one on the right had various fired animals to be found in the various garden beds and this existing large sheltering tree made an excellent picnie in the shade spot to enjoy.

Existing bathrooms were stripped out and refitted to serve their new purpose. Toilets generally downsized to suit a shorter customer! Change tables introduced.

A completely new toilet room in the centre of the building was added to serve 2 age groups and a ramp had to be added to for access.

I'm told the plumber spent some time and energy digging under the existing wet areas in the centre of the building to expose and add to the existing plumbing lines. The rooms were filled with dirt until the new pipelines were added and then it was all put back again, under the building.

New cabinets with a sink, fridge and microwave space added

Space for keeping gear close but away.

An existing sink cabinet was upgraded, walls removed to open areas up.

A new access to the new shared toilets added which required a little thought - a short stair off the mid landing of a disabled ramp plus a short wall for privacy provide perfect access.

A new staff room for a little escape. The nice highlight provided secure natural light.

The existing large kitchen was reduced to allow for a new required disabled toilet.

The now internal kitchen gained a roof light. Existing large sink bench and dishwasher found their new positions in new cabinets.

The old kitchen gave up space one end for the disabled toilet above and the other end to the staff room.

All over a wonderfully rewarding project to be involved in. The 'team' have really brought about a wonderful facility for Child Day Care.

Here's some photo's of the before

The back step leading onto the kids play area.

Suitable for after church play but not the strict and demanding regulations for child care.

The side of the building was completely cleaned up, paved and even had a vegetable garden installed.

This side was fenced off as a play area with a new pergola over.

The old very long kitchen area to be broken up.

The kitchen looses it's high light to the staff room.

Old bathrooms were completely stripped out and refurbished to suit the needs and size of the new users.

This opening was cut to the floor and the other room opened up and the colours were very much lightened for a bit more inviting feeling.

And here are some of the plans used to guide the builder.