Kununurra Children and Family Centre

The Kununurra Children and Family Centre (CFC) involved the design and construction of a licensed Childcare Facility (for 40 children) and Family Centre in the remote Kimberley town of Kununurra. The two facilities (pavilions) are seen as being in a relationship of mutual dependence akin to the relationship of parent and child and while the design attempts to physically distinguish the two and allow each to develop its unique identity the singular roof covering creates a sense of unity for the whole. The pavilions separate to frame views to Kelly’s Knob and Hidden Valley National Park and to form a multi-purpose “welcome area” which all visitors are encouraged to use for informal social interaction. The internal layout of enclosed functional spaces and covered external spaces provides environmentally and culturally appropriate spaces to develop a positive learning environment, and welcomes the local community to share in the creation of positive parent and childhood development.
As expressed by a member of the local community, the Kununurra Children and Family Centre can be,

“A place for the Community to gather and yarn informally to make things better for themselves and their children.”