School Building UK
August / September 2005

STATE-OF-THE-ART CRECHE
Blanchardstown, Dublin

HOME
This is a purpose built crèche for 60 children and forms part of a development which incorporates a residential cluster to the west of the site nestled within suburban housing estate. The brief was to provide a “home away from home.”

SCALE
Approach to the building is by way of a shared car park, a drop off point. One then proceeds by foot through a series of external spaces by an orchard to the heart of the building, arrival. One passes between low and tall forms into the central hall incorporating pigeon holes for children’s belongings. Five brick elements order the double height central hall creating a hierarchy of overlapping layers giving access to the play rooms adjacent to the exterior of the building where the smallest of the spaces connect to the garden. Timber screens separate facilities. Different staircases give access to the dormitories and a balcony at first floor which creates the perception of a maze to the child.

LIGHT
Rooflights are used in differing orientations throughout the building to animate and promote awareness of moving light. Windows are shifted within the wall thickness to express the mass of the brick elements. The rhythm of spaces will be extended to the external landscaping treatment which will result in dense foliage to the southern boundary.

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