“The dark exterior of the building is meant as a disruption—a challenge to false narratives about early childhood education. Childcare centres are conventionally painted in pastel hues and bright colours. But nothing conventional will take place here. The Fulmer building will be a site of innovation, imagination and experimentation, where leading practice and research redefine the field.” - Brad Martin, Dean

A Child-Inspired Design

The design ethos is truly child-inspired. The architects’ use of mass timber is central to the project’s success. Exposed timber beams create a warm, inviting atmosphere, connecting occupants to the natural world. This biophilic approach—the inherent human connection to nature—is a core tenet of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Large windows prioritize natural light and blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, allowing for a dynamic learning experience. The building also achieves Step Code 4 performance, a testament to its high energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.