Leopold Community Hub

Design Brief

Four18 Architecture collaborated with GHD to deliver the Leopold Community Hub. The initial brief provided a master plan comprising a 800m2 library and 127 place Integrated Children’s Centre. These two components were connected by a public space that incorporated public amenities, community meeting rooms, toy library and cafe. Stage 1 was funded in 2012 and included the 127 place integrated children’s hub and a community activity room.

The project was designed to acheive a Greenstar 5 Star equivalent level of environmental sustainability with significantly reduced energy consumption.

Design Response

The external form of the building breaks down the visual bulk of such a large structure, reflecting the surrounding suburban house forms tumbling down the slope of the site. The forms also create individualized rooms and playgrounds for each of the age cohorts. The hungry caterpillar was utilise internally to theme the long corridor that connected the care rooms. Education and connection with the building process was provided through viewing panels created in the main corridor whichl highlighted the structural beam, services such as water and gas and ESD elements such as insulation which provides a point of discussion for parents and educators.