Now complete, this new 3,000 square foot facility in North Lethbridge, is designed to support both a children’s daycare program and workers residences. Within the Basement and Main Floor levels, the daycare programming is organized around five main classrooms, which can support 48 children and 7 staff members. Careful planning ensured that each of the classrooms has all the features that will facilitate active movement, efficient supervision, engaging early learning programs and the warmth of a caring environment. To this end, each classroom includes its own dedicated washroom; each has large windows for natural lighting; and each provides easy access to the play areas in the front and rear yards. An entry Reception desk, also accessible by each classroom, was designed to foster strong parent partnerships by providing a warm welcome to parents, children, and staff each day.
The Second Floor observes three one-bedroom residential units for use by daycare workers within the facility only. Each unit, efficiently designed within a 700 square feet footprint provides a comfortable and open Kitchen Dining / Living space as well comes complete with a small office and an exterior balcony.
The contemporary modern design commands attention in the neighborhood, distinguishing itself with clean lines and a mono-slope roof element that accents the residential balconies along the east and west building elevations. The main exterior artfully mixes finishes of stone veneer, fibre-cement siding, and panel systems to complete the exterior finishes.
This building represents the future of modern urban infill – a mixed-use facility integrating workforce-focused housing and childcare, bringing vitality to the neighborhood with its occupants, as well as its contemporary design.