Cholmondeley Children's Centre

Following the Canterbury earthquakes, this new purpose-built facility was constructed to replace a historic villa that housed a respite care and education centre. Set in the exceptional Governor’s Bay landscape, the new buildings – for accommodation, dining and education – fully encircle a sheltered courtyard. Metaphorically and literally, this is a place of shelter and protection.

From the courtyard, generous openings allow easy movement between indoor and outdoor play and learning spaces. Inside, the range of intimate and group-suitable spaces, intelligent use of timber structure, robust materials, colour and playful detailing result in a delightful child-friendly environment - NZIA Awards Citation