Over the years, we’ve worked on several childcare centre renovation projects across Australia and witnessed first-hand the emerging trends in childcare centre design. For instance, integrating nature into these spaces has moved from a nice-to-have feature to an essential design element. After all, this particular trend is more than about aesthetics. It also helps create environments that nurture children’s development, well-being, and connection to the natural world.
So, today, we’ll walk you through different ways you can incorporate nature into childcare centre renovations. Hopefully, these ideas can help you with your project.
Integrating Biophilic Design Principles
The concept of biophilic design seeks to connect building occupants closer to nature. This is especially impactful in childcare settings. Kids have a natural connection to nature, and adding outdoor elements into their learning environments helps them enjoy the spaces more. Plus, being constantly exposed to nature helps with their brain development, sparks their curiosity, makes them feel calmer and more relaxed, and improves their physical health and overall well-being.
Integrating biophilic design principles into your childcare centre design can be as simple as displaying indoor plants or nature-themed artwork. You can go the extra mile by creating easy yet safe access to greenery & interactive outdoor play areas.
Harnessing Natural Light
Natural light can do wonders for a child. It helps regulate their circadian rhythm, which is way important for a healthy sleep-wake cycle. This, in turn, can positively impact their mood and behaviour and their overall cognitive development.
Harness natural light by installing large windows, skylights, and glass doors. They can help flood spaces with sunlight and provide visual connections to the outdoors. If possible, replace traditional walls with floor-to-ceiling windows. That, alone, can instantly transform a dim playroom into a bright, energising space that feels connected to a surrounding garden. After the renovation project, you will likely notice an increase in your young students’ engagement and activity levels.
Embracing Natural Materials
Incorporating nature goes beyond just adding huge windows. You can also achieve it with material choice. Wood, stone, and other natural textures can be integrated into flooring, wall coverings, furniture and other areas. Work closely with your contractor to find the best areas for it. Nevertheless, the use of natural materials throughout the centre can create a warm, organic feel that can comfort and stimulate children.
Want to be creative in using natural materials? Here’s an idea: build a sensory wall using bark, moss, smooth river stones and other natural materials. The wall provides a tactile experience that children will likely find endlessly fascinating. It can be a nature corner in your childcare centre, a focal point for sensory exploration and learning.
Building a Vertical Garden
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, plants improve air quality and provide opportunities for kids to learn about growth and care. So, it’s no surprise that vertical gardens or living walls are becoming increasingly popular in childcare settings, offering a striking visual feature while maximising space. You can do the same by installing a hydroponic wall garden where children can grow herbs and small vegetables, creating an interactive learning experience about nature & nutrition. This living wall can also be an integral part of your curriculum on sustainability & healthy eating.
Reimagining Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor spaces are also being reimagined as extensions of the indoor learning environment. Gone are the days of sterile playgrounds with plastic equipment. Today’s childcare centres incorporate natural playscapes with elements like log bridges, rock climbing walls, and sand pits. You can even transform a traditional playground into a “mini forest” with native plants, a dry creek bed, and natural climbing structures. The kids will find it endlessly engaging. Plus, it supports a wide range of developmental needs, from gross motor skills to imaginative play.
Using Nature-Inspired Colour Palettes
Colour palettes inspired by nature are also trending in childcare centre design. Soft greens, earthy browns, and sky blues create a calming atmosphere that can help lower stress and promote focus. These colours can be incorporated through wall paint, furnishings, and décor.
Here’s an example: use a colour scheme inspired by the local coastal landscape. Paint walls in soft sand tones, have furnishings in driftwood-inspired finishes and play around with accents in ocean blues. The result can be an energising and soothing space, evoking the exciting yet calming ambience of spending a day at the beach.
Let Us Help You Build a Better Childcare Centre
These are just some of the current trends or ways you can integrate the natural environment into childcare spaces. There can be more possibilities, depending on your current space, operational requirements and budget. That’s especially true if you work with companies like us that have years of experience in childcare centre construction & renovation. We’ll guide you on how to design a day-care centre while integrating nature and other aspects that can support kids’ growth & well-being.
Contact us today, and let’s kickstart your childcare centre renovation project.