My First Skool @ Rivervale Crescent

My First Skool at Rivervale Crescent is part of the second wave of large childcare centres in Singapore. With a built-up of 5,000 m2 GFA, it caters for the teaching and caring of 695 children, comprising infant and toddler care, playgroup, nursery and kindergarten schooling. The centre is located adjacent to an open park with an existing basketball court. The single block centre was designed as a naturally ventilated space with porous views into the existing park. The façade features a series of “house-shaped” portals which double up as sun-shading ledges and transition portals which blur the indoor and outdoor play areas. The motif of a house was selected to evoke a sense of safety and security in hopes that the centre would be a “home” for the staff and children it houses. The use of materials and greenery throughout the building exude warmth and a “homely” atmosphere that is both exciting and inviting. The heart of the centre is the central activity area comprising the double-volume Play Area at the 1st storey and an open-sided Play & Community Garden at the 2nd Storey. The double-volume Play Area is deliberately kept open towards the back, allowing the sheltered play area to merge seamlessly with the outdoor play area. The huge opening also allows the extension of views into the open park behind, whilst promoting cross-ventilation and daylighting. Immediately above the Play Area, a series of jet roofs have been introduced. Together with high volume low speed (HVLS) fans, maximum indoor air quality is achieved. The Play & Community Garden face the adjacent open park and is another sheltered area within the centre where play and learning can take place. The visual park connection allows the children to enjoy and appreciate nature whilst going about their daily activities which mainly involve multi-age mixing and learning through play. All classrooms are also treated with glass louvre panels, fans and air-conditioning to allow the spaces to classrooms to work in dual modes - both natural ventilated and air-conditioned (especially critical in times of bad weather such as haze). Classroom spaces are also designed column-free for flexibility. Each class is directly connected to shared supporting facilities (eg. Pantry/Toilet/Diaper-Change).