of the harbour lights and hills and the experience of nurturing relationships which is integral to the. Cholmondeley phi
Canterbury earthquake provides blank canvas for children’s centre rebuild The Cholmondeley Children’s Centre provided respite care and education to support children and their families until its location, in a historic villa in Christchurch, had to be demolished following damage from the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011. What the rebuild would offer was the chance to design a purpose-built facility that included accommodation, education spaces, outdoor learning and play areas as well as cooking and dining spaces. The philosophy behind the centre was that learning would occur not only in the education space, but in all spaces and would need a design that ensured the children would feel relaxed and open to new experiences. It also needed to recognise the unique Governor’s Bay landscape where the centre is located. When beginning on the design, RMBH Architects drew inspiration from their own childhoods and wanted creative spaces where children would interact with the building with walls to draw on, views of the harbour lights and hills and the experience of nurturing relationships which is integral to the Cholmondeley philosophy. Bright colours and natural materials were important, Melteca quality laminated panels and Formica laminates were used for joinery and internal doors while Strandboard was used for wall linings in the classroom and bathroom areas. The result is a bright, warm and welcoming space – the perfect environment for learning and living, a home away from home for children. The new space will help to provide these children with enjoyable experiences that help to increase their resilience and inspire memorable moments for visitors. Project: Cholmondeley Children’s Centre Rebuild, Christchurch Architect: RMBH Architects Construction: City Care Products used: Melteca quality laminated panels, Formica high pressure laminate, Laminex Compact laminate and Strandboard
