The Palawa people of Lutriwita
Tasmania
Glenorchy Child and Family Learning Centre (CFLC) delivers play- and community- centred educational programs and support services for pre-school children and their parents.
Set on Glenorchy Primary School oval, it has multi-directional pedestrian access with expansive views to kunanyi / Mount Wellington and surrounds.
The design concept is the building as an interactive “toy box’ that provokes curiosity, invites investigation, and actively engages the children and parents who frequent it.
A range of volumes, scales and levels define the interior where a double-levelled play spine incorporates cubbies, play nooks, sleeping nests, tunnels, climbing steps and slides.
Learning spaces and a covered “rainforest atrium” open up to outdoor play.
A drop-in kitchen/dining is at the centre heart with training, meeting, and consultation rooms for the community programs offered.
Designed to build community and combat social isolation, natural materials, passive solar design, acoustic treatment and visual interconnectedness create a welcoming, inclusive, non-institutional atmosphere.
The Glenorchy Child and Family Learning Centre is a beautifully composed interior that fosters warmth, connection, and engagement. The architect’s mastery of natural light defines the experience of the space, creating a bright and uplifting atmosphere that enhances both functionality and wellbeing.
The double-height ‘play spine’ is an inventive architectural device, introducing a mezzanine level for children’s play while programmatically dividing public and private spaces. Thoughtful spatial planning maintains strong sightlines throughout, reinforcing a sense of openness and connection.
The material palette, particularly the use of timber, establishes a robust yet inviting environment. Framed views to existing mature trees enrich key spaces, highlighting the connection between interior and context.
The Glenorchy Child and Family Learning Centre exemplifies an intelligent and sensitive approach to educational interior design, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment for children, families, and educators.
The design of the centre was informed by the local community and has been met with positive responses.
Children are instantly thrilled by the multiple opportunities to explore and play.
The two entrances meet at an open area where staff welcome families as they arrive.
The use of timber and the kitchen / dining located at the front of the building, creates a sense of homely comfort and ease encouraging families to make use of the facilities.
The layout of the centre sparks children’s curiosity with some space for planned learning activities and easy links to outdoor play.
JAMES MORRISON, Design Architect
YVETTE BREYTENBACH, ASSISTANT DESIGN ARCHITECT
MICHAEL BAMFORD, Project Architect
LEE TYERS BUILDING SURVEYORS, Building Surveyor
AllUrbanPlanning, Town Planner
ALDANMARK, Structural Engineer
ALDANMARK, Hydraulic Consultant
ALDANMARK, Civil Consultant
COVA, Services Consultant
PLAYSTREET, Landscape Consultant
CASTELLAN, Fire Consultant
Pitt & Sherry (Operations), Traffic Consultant
Honeycomb Access and Design, Access Consultant
FLUSSIG ENGINEERS, Flood Hazard Consultant
BROOKS LARK & CARRICK, Land surveyor
EXSTO MANAGEMENT, Cost Consultant
TARKARRI ENGINEERING, Acoustic Consultant
HPA – Hercules Playground Auditing, Play spine audit
GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES – GES, Geotechnical Consultant
MORRISON & BREYTENBACH ARCHITECTS, Heritage Consultant