| 123 T T Kelly Deeks Nature at the heart The outdoor areas include a vegetable garden and unique, natural play spaces. COMMUNITY Village Green: 505 Construction “I wanted to create places that actively support human health and environmental wellbeing.” One of Auckland’s newest early learning centres is setting a national benchmark by putting children’s wellbeing and nature at the heart of its design. Village Green, located at the College Rifles Rugby Football Club site in Remuera, has been developed in partnership with 505 Construction and Smith Architects, with interiors by wellness designer, Jade Hurst, of Good Space. For Jade, the project brings together her two worlds – Village Green, the childcare centre she owns with her husband Ben, and Good Space, her interior design studio specialising in wellness architecture. “Designing beautiful spaces was never enough for me,” she says. “I wanted to create places that actively support human health and environmental wellbeing. At Village Green, every detail has been considered through that lens.” Wellness design, or biophilic design, underpins the centre. From natural light and non-toxic finishes to lush planting indoors and out, the spaces connect tamariki with nature. Jade says she drew on her own parenting experience when making the practical design decisions. “I know what it’s like when little ones put their hands in pot plants. We save that kind of play for the vegetable gardens, choosing to suspend our interior greenery from the ceiling. It softens the space, improves acoustics, and purifies the air – all while making nature accessible in a safe way,” she says. The outdoor areas include a vegetable garden and unique, natural play spaces, all landscaped by Brad Stanton from Handyman Brad. Indoors, children learn and grow via three distinct environments – Flax Nest for infants, Kōwhai Corner and Rātā Retreat for toddlers, and Kauri Canopy for preschoolers – catering to each age group. Village Green’s kaupapa is guided by seven wellness principles: air, water, light, nature, sound, mind, and circular design. These ideas were explored and strengthened during Jade’s time at XLab, the circular economy innovation summit, where she worked with Village Green’s sustainability consultants and architects to test how regenerative principles could be embedded in childcare. The outcome includes rainwater harvesting, solar power, reclaimed timber cladding, growing gardens, non-toxic finishes, and nearly 1000kg of recycled soft plastics transformed into durable cabinetry and benchtops. “We want tamariki to grow up with an understanding of how the spaces they live and learn in affect them,” Jade says. “By exposing them to nature as a teaching tool, as well as regenerative and sustainable systems, they develop a strong foundation for lifelong wellbeing.” Ben, who manages the business operations, played a key role in navigating regulatory and construction challenges, particularly during Covid-19 when the Ministry of Education tightened approvals. The College Rifles partnership has also been instrumental. With a 40-year ground lease, the rugby club has welcomed Village Green as part of its wider community offering, giving families access to sports and recreation. Village Green also partners with Nourished Beginnings to provide a wholefoods menu, with seasonal produce grown on-site. A dedicated Kaitiaki Kaiako, or nature guardian, helps embed environmental stewardship into daily learning. “We want children to grow as mini-kaitiaki, understanding their role in caring for the natural world,” Jade says. Village Green opened earlier this year and has naturally attracted strong interest from families. “This has been a complex and challenging project, but the result is something truly special,” Jade says. “We’ve created not just a childcare centre, but a healthy, sustainable habitat where tamariki can thrive.” Cladding | Decking | Flooring Structural Beams & Posts | Joinery Australian Hardwood by: VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM AT: 191 Main Highway, Ellerslie, Auckland www.lmatimber.co.nz 027 378 0581 james@lmatimber.co.nz
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