The conversion of a commercial shell unit into a new flagship 300sqm children’s nursery in East London near the Thames Barrier.

Delve have developed the nursery design with natural materials, finishes and sustainable products in mind, to create an internal environment that aligns with the teaching methodology and ethos of the nursery. A large garden with multi sensory spaces, surfaces and play equipment will be created with full width bifold doors connecting the nursery to the garden, creating a multi-functional indoor/outdoor teaching space - a rare opportunity for open play space in the urban context.

A new mezzanine is designed to create a focused play area on the upper level for the older children, with the double height space serving as the main hub of the nursery school. A new sculptural timber stair runs through the double height space, with the handrail forming the balustrade at mezzanine level. Colourful timber cladding form the guarding on the balustrade and a safe viewing platform for the children to below. The strategy uses exposed services and the existing concrete soffit as the ceiling finish, to both retain thermal mass - and create an interesting play between the natural tactile surfaces at low areas, and the ‘industrial’ feel of the services at high level.