A safe, friendly and caring environment is the Tillys philosophy. The challenge for the re-adaptation of the original Waratah Rugby Club building was to create small scale child friendly spaces in a large scale, commercial building. The two uses couldnt be more diverse. Yet the building fabric was ideally suited to the purpose. The large open spaces could be divided up into play areas and the surrounding offices, wet areas and kitchen could all be re-used. The complete external wall perimeter has been retained but opened up to natural light, by the inclusion of large window areas. There was very little demolition as a result of reusing so much of the original building; a win for the environment. The surrounding car parking areas have been cleverly transformed into green spaces for outdoor play, creating stimulating playtime for the children and enhancing the outlook for surrounding neighbors. The contribution to the built environment is self evident. But it is the change in the social fabric that is so rewarding for the owners. The adapted building brings youth and vitality to a previously dilapidated area. The staff and owners are thrilled with how the building functions and respond to their needs.
Images: Murray McKean