The new Early Learning Centre within the Fleurieu Health & Wellbeing Precinct was envisioned as a warm, contemporary community space designed to serve the fast-growing surrounding community.
Accommodating over 100 children each day, the facility is shaped as a vibrant, natural environment, featuring a suite of natural finishes, hardwood structural elements, locally sourced rammed-earth walling and an abundance of natural light.
The new Early Learning Centre within the Fleurieu Health & Wellbeing Precinct was envisioned as a warm, contemporary community space designed to serve the fast-growing surrounding community. Accommodating over 100 children each day, the facility is shaped as a vibrant, natural environment, featuring a suite of natural finishes, hardwood structural elements, locally sourced rammed-earth walling and an abundance of natural light.
To complement this palette and reinforce the building’s connection to its surroundings, Troppo Architects sought exterior materials that offered a balanced combination of high performance and lasting aesthetic appeal. Being in a bushfire risk zone, it was also important to select facade materials that complied with the strict fire ratings from the risk of bushfire and fire spread from surrounding carpark and buildings. Cemintel Barestone facade cladding and Cemintel Surround were chosen for their ability to meet all compliance criteria, integrate seamlessly with the centre’s natural materiality and support the project’s architectural intent.
Reflecting on the decision to use Cemintel’s products, Troppo Architects’ Mitchell Lowe noted, “We chose Barestone as it is one of our preferred products at Troppo.” The material’s proven fire performance was essential, but for the design team it was equally important that the cladding supported the overall visual intent of the building. As Lowe shared, “We love the aesthetic of it, and also for its low-maintenance nature.” Once installed, Cemintel Barestone typically requires little to no upkeep which is an essential attribute for a community-focused facility with long-term durability in mind.
To strengthen the building’s architectural expression, the team introduced Cemintel Surround as a contrasting design element. Lowe described its purpose, explaining that “Cemintel Surround was chosen as a design feature to tie into the steel colouring and accentuate the structure externally.” The strategic placement of these dark, refined bands created a rhythm along the facade, particularly where the rafters run or where the rammed-earth walls meet the Barestone cladding. This allowed the design to emphasise the building’s horizontality and enhance its connection to the surrounding landscape.
Integral Built was engaged by Chappell Builders to deliver the full supply and installation of the external cladding package, ensuring that the architect’s intent translated into the build. Their role involved managing the installation of more than 400 individually cut cladding panels, each requiring exceptional accuracy to maintain seamless alignment across the entire structure. Complex transitions between materials and multiple facade interfaces demanded detailed planning, constant communication and careful sequencing throughout the project.
The combination of Cemintel Barestone External Original and Cemintel Surround in Blackish Base ultimately provided the ideal solution. Barestone provided a natural, cement-composite look that complemented the building’s design. Surround in Blackish Base added contrast and depth, reinforcing structural lines and providing visual definition.
Overall, the project achieved a robust and visually striking facade solution, capable of meeting strict performance criteria while also expressing the refined design intent behind the Early Learning Centre. The result is a building built to endure the coastal South Australian environment with longevity and confidence.
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