Harbour Early Learning Vaucluse was designed by renowned Architects SJB and Supercontext and the award winning interior design was undertaken by Danielle Brustman. Recent articles in Yellow Trace, Dezeen, Architecture AU amongst others about the design of the centre describe the uniqueness of both exterior and interior design which has been purpose built to enhance learning outcomes.
Harbour Early Learning is owned and operated by local families who consider that the design of spaces for children should be inspirational as well as functional, having spent time visiting early learning centres in search of places for their own children. What they discovered were ‘childcare’ spaces not purpose built for learning. Spaces lacking in beauty and aesthetic design, and a lack of understanding of the need for complexity in early learning spaces and inspiration for curious minds….so they embarked on a journey to create these spaces.
The philosopher and author, Alain de Botton describes architecture that speaks to the wellbeing of the inhabitants, requiring ‘visible celebrations of tenderness’ (Architecture of Happiness 2006). Jim Greenman believed that “Children deserve to spend their days in well-designed environments that support their needs and stimulate their learning”. Greenman (2017 3rd Ed.) Caring Spaces Learning Spaces: Children’s environments that work.
Harbour Early Learning Vaucluse embodies the concept of inspirational learning spaces, and caring, educational, places. The goal was to build a centre that would set a new standard in early childhood education based on excellence in all areas of teaching and building a community for learning. The spaces have been recently recognised for the wonderful learning spaces in The Sector. Along with the unique design the classroom walls are painted with graphic art images, reflecting the Vaucluse context of land, sea and air, as an homage to the Birabirragal people the first inhabitants of Mo’ring (Vaucluse) land. As well as the aesthetic features, the automated building electrical and mechanical systems were installed to reduce the overall carbon footprint. All classrooms have a crossflow ventilation system of sliding doors and windows, which is supported, when the weather requires, with ceiling fans, mechanical air and HEPA air filters. It is an important inclusion in the building design to decrease the risk of the transmission of childhood illnesses.
What is most appealing about the exterior of this three-storey building is the number of playful windows of different shapes and sizes. The curves of the concrete walls and the tiling, reflect the colour of the trees that frame the building. The aesthetic of the curious, inherent in this building, invokes interest within the passers-by as they look up in awe, while on their daily walks, as they look up and back, prompting a smile and a comment to their companion. Community members, our visitors and our enrolled families often comment about how amazed they are by the building and the interior design.
All aspects of children’s learning and development have been considered by the team at Harbour EL. The educational program has been established by some of the sectors best educators, uniforms have been designed for children by Summer and Storm™ and the fabrics are hard wearing and are ethically and sustainably sourced. All meals are made fresh daily by our in house chef. Our menu’s and nutritional program has been created by BABLE™ specifically for children to ensure they get the best start in life.
If you have been looking for a place for your child, please contact Kath for a tour of the centre and a discussion about our early childhood curriculum, our degree qualified early childhood teachers and qualified educators and availability of a place for your family. Please feel welcome to join us for a visit and see for yourself, how early childhood spaces can be inspirational learning spaces for our learning community.
Please visit www.harbourearlylearning.com.au or call our Director of People and Policy Kath Boyd ( Phone: 02 9431 2273) or email kath@harbourealylearning.com.au and book in for a visit before they finalise enrolments for the second semester of 2024 and for 2025.
