Barnardos asked Pelorus to refurbish their old villa and to extend it to form a new, modern, Early Learning Centre, almost doubling its size and adding a new landscaped outdoor play area. 

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The facility is now licensed to accommodate 45 over-two-year-old and 20 under-two-year-old children.

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On the interior the rear extension makes extensive use of timber beams, glue laminated joists and a plywood ceiling to add a warm, natural ambience. The electrical cable trays and structural connections are all visible. It's a simple, bold and honest expression of building, which the children discuss, enjoy and learn from.  The new extension contrasts markedly with the more traditional Victorian house with its newly painted walls and moulded details. Light floods the interior and the outdoor flow for the children is easy via neatly finished timber decks. 

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To complete the contrast, the new wing is clad on its exterior with charcoal powdercoated Flashclad planks which will withstand the rigours of time and children impacting it. The older villa retains its refurbished timber rusticated cladding.