Project: Fluvarium Lilypad Daycare Centre
Architecture: Woodford Architecture
Design Team: Chris Woodford, Devan Burry, Keita Foley-Tanaka
Location: Pippy Park, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Area: 425 m2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Jane Brokenshire
Located in St. John’s, Newfoundland, the Fluvarium Lilypad Daycare Centre transforms the upper floor of a 1980s environmental education building into a light-filled, nature-oriented childcare space. Designed with a focus on connection—to both the landscape and the joy of learning—the project revitalizes an underused portion of the Fluvarium while preserving its architectural character.
Renewal Through Light and Openness
The design began by stripping away layers of past renovations that had obscured the building’s original qualities. Once dark and compartmentalized, the space now embraces its octagonal plan and exposed heavy timber structure. These elements frame a renewed spatial experience that feels both grounded and uplifting.
Each classroom is shaped to take advantage of the building’s sloping ceilings and natural light. Generous windows capture the surrounding landscape, ensuring children experience daylight and views throughout the day. The design encourages movement, exploration, and a sense of curiosity—values central to the daycare’s philosophy.
Playful Transparency and Connection
New interior partitions were designed with intentional restraint. By stopping short of the original timber beams, the architects maintained visual openness while respecting the existing structure. Large circular openings punctuate these walls, drawing light deeper into the space and creating playful glimpses between classrooms. These design gestures reinforce a sense of connection, community, and shared discovery among the children.
Nature as a Teacher
Beyond its architectural transformation, the Fluvarium Lilypad Daycare Centre celebrates the role of nature in early education. Direct outdoor access allows children to move freely between interior and exterior spaces, making the surrounding environment part of daily life and learning. Natural materials, warm tones, and abundant light foster a calm atmosphere that encourages observation, creativity, and play.
A Thoughtful Transformation
The project stands as both an adaptive reuse success and a model for sustainable design. By reimagining rather than replacing, it preserves the heritage of a beloved community building while giving it new purpose. Ultimately, the Fluvarium Lilypad Daycare Centre demonstrates how architecture can nurture not only the body and mind, but also a lasting bond with the natural world.
