Rutherford Child Care is the first centre by Tillys Play and Development in a light industrial area. The centre provides much needed care facilities for parents working in the local area with the option for overnight accommodation for children of shift workers. The centre is light and airy for the occupants but protected and secure from potential noisy neighbours. The building was located as close as possible to one boundary, which is where the offices and ancillary areas are located. The playrooms are then given the maximum separation to the other neighbour with a large play area between. The centre accommodates 174 children in 8 playrooms. Combined with all the associated wet areas and ancillary spaces this results in a large floor area. By using smaller scale rooms with standard ceiling heights and a neutral colour palatte the playrooms feel more domestic than institutional. The children and parents feel very much at home.
Images: Murray McKean