Gan Yisroel Community & Childcare Centre

The design challenge was to restore this heritage listed building and create the first Jewish early learning centre in Canberra. The building originally built in 1975 and designed by architect Enrico Taglietti was formerly a preschool which had been unoccupied for some years and deteriorated due to neglect and vandalism.
A sympathetic refurbishment and extension was undertaken to enlarge the building and bring it back to life. This was achieved by repeating the prominent brick detail to the new extension, restoring the original coloured fascias, cedar soffit and red window frames and doors to the exterior.

Colourful glazing films were also applied to the windows and doors to give a subtle but playful dose of colour to the façade. Internally the original large cedar skylights were also refurbished and a refreshing yet sympathetic selection of colours, finishes and glazing graphics were used to revive the building.

The renovation has not only brought life back to the unused building, but has also created a space which is versatile for the client to use as a childcare centre on weekdays and community centre on weekends.

Builder Rork Projects Awarded – Winner: 2013 Master Builders & CBUS Awards – Commercial Conservation Heritage Projects

“We know ourselves to be a demanding client. Nonetheless, the professionals at SQC Group maintained a respectful and responsive demeanour throughout the project. They are skilled communicators and provide careful attention to detail in all aspects of the project. They were genuinely dedicated to keeping the project within budget, and on time, both of which they achieved. In doing so, they went above and beyond the requirements of their architectural and contract administration role to produce an outstanding result for our community.”

Shaynee Yaffe
Chief Operating Officer
BCI Group