Downtown Houston Childcare Center
LEED
Location
Houston, Texas
Size10,000 sf
Project Features- Childcare center in an urban setting
- Flexible learning spaces
- Access to natural light
The Downtown Houston Childcare Center is an oasis in the heart of city that provides a comfortable, warm atmosphere for students of various ages. This facility helps collapse the barriers between work, home, and school and softens the rigidity of a bustling urban business district.
NATURAL MATERIALS
This client wanted to create a home-like, caring atmosphere for its students. They hoped for a space rich with natural materials and textures that promoted creativity, allowed for exploration and flexibility, but also a reflected their commitment to building a healthy, sustainable environment for young people.
NEW TECHNOLOGY FIRSTS
From a design standpoint, the L-shaped courtyard building was carefully designed to shelter students from a busy urban corner as they play and learn without sacrificing stunning views of the downtown Houston skyline. The classroom layout and colors create a warm environment and allow for easy way-finding and access to natural daylight, providing internal and external views. The building systems explore new technology for Houston, introducing chilled beams for cooling and radiant floors for warmth, relying on the lessons of gravity and convection to create an efficient and optimum thermal environment.
NATURAL MATERIALS
This client wanted to create a home-like, caring atmosphere for its students. They hoped for a space rich with natural materials and textures that promoted creativity, allowed for exploration and flexibility, but also a reflected their commitment to building a healthy, sustainable environment for young people.
NEW TECHNOLOGY FIRSTS
From a design standpoint, the L-shaped courtyard building was carefully designed to shelter students from a busy urban corner as they play and learn without sacrificing stunning views of the downtown Houston skyline. The classroom layout and colors create a warm environment and allow for easy way-finding and access to natural daylight, providing internal and external views. The building systems explore new technology for Houston, introducing chilled beams for cooling and radiant floors for warmth, relying on the lessons of gravity and convection to create an efficient and optimum thermal environment.
- AIA Houston Design Award, Less than 50,000 sf, 2013
- ASID Gulf Coast Chapter, Commercial - Education, 2014
- Houston Business Journal Landmark Award: Public Assembly, 2014
