Nestled within a long-established educational precinct in Caringbah, our new 76-place childcare centre sits alongside Our Lady of Fatima Church and within the grounds of Our Lady of Fatima Primary School and De La Salle Catholic College. Together, these institutions form a connected learning community where children are supported from their earliest years through to adolescence.

Architecturally, the centre has been carefully designed to respect and echo the language of the existing church, ensuring minimal visual competition and a calm, cohesive presence on site. The building is thoughtfully nestled among the existing fabric, reinforcing a sense of belonging and continuity within the precinct.

The design embraces a northern aspect, filling internal learning spaces with natural light and creating warm, welcoming environments for children and educators alike. Purpose-designed, age-appropriate outdoor areas extend learning beyond the classroom, encouraging exploration, movement and connection with nature.

Guided by the philosophy of the environment as the third teacher, the centre integrates natural elements, light, texture and landscape to support curiosity, creativity and wellbeing—creating a nurturing place where children can learn, grow and thrive.

Client:             SCECS

Location:        Caringbah, NSW

Size:                1,300sqm

Value:             $3.1M

Status:            Completed 2022

Alleanza Team: Jessica Santos, Charles Glanville, Nancy Xie

Collaborators: GroundInk, Dunnings, JN, City Plan, Capital Consulting Engineers, Horticultural Management Services, Benchmark Building Certifiers, The Mack Group, Able&Brown, Dunnings

Contractor: Build 369

Photographer: Jarrod Bryant