Kids on Collins

Inner-city heritage building transformed into a state-of-the-art childcare centre

Location: Wurrundjeri Country, Level 4, 544-546 Collins Street, Melbourne
Status: Complete

Kids on Collins integrates childcare and kinder across two levels of a Melbourne CBD 'Streamline Moderne' building. The refurbishment transforms an outdated floorplan into an engaging and vibrant centre, that supports inner-city families with a local amenity as their children transition from infants into kinder.

Sweeping curved forms and portal windows throughout the interior pay homage to the building’s heritage façade whilst playful tram motifs, cool blue tones and timber battening create a modern twist. Each level is designed to emulate a distinct look and feel so that as children move from infant into kinder the spaces become more sophisticated.

Operable walls separate classrooms allowing for reconfigurable spaces as well as filtering natural light into the core of the building. Playful window shapes and wayfinding are designed at a scale to interact with children creating engaging visual stimulation.