Unique Durkan-built nursery shortlisted for prestigious Stirling Prize and BBC’s Best Buildings competition
Children in a deprived area of London are now playing safely in a Mongolian Yurt thanks to an exciting new nursery built by Durkan to designs by famous architect Will Alsop. Teachers are already reporting remarkable results from the children as a result of the innovative building and it has been shortlisted for the prestigious Stirling Prize for architecture and the BBC’s Best Buildings competition.
The nursery is constructed from a mesh coated steel frame with a brightly coloured roof, within which is a three-storey arrangement of recycled sea containers linked by wooden decking. The mesh frame forms the exterior of the building, and allows children to play ‘outside’ but within the safety of the mesh exterior structure. There are trees and flower borders within this area, together with a tree house, science garden and soft play area. Teachers say there has been a noticeable reduction in coughs and colds amongst the children and that attention spans have markedly improved as a result of the fresh air.
Of course there were enormous challenges for Durkan in constructing such an unusual building with a range of materials and building techniques never used together before. We were dealing with sub-contractors unfamiliar with this type of project and with untried materials. But our can-do approach and reputation for positive and friendly relationships with clients and suppliers stood us in good stead as always.
And that Mongolian Yurt? It’s a traditional Mongolian tent made from timber, canvas and one and half tons of sheep’s wool. Unusual materials for us indeed!
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