Tasmanian childcare centre earns top architecture award for community-focused design

The Alma Street Childcare Centre in Tasmania has been recognised for architectural excellence, receiving an Award for Educational Architecture at the 2025 Tasmanian Architecture Awards, hosted by the Australian Institute of Architects.

Designed by Hobart-based practice 1 Plus 2 Architecture, the centre was celebrated for its vibrant, community-centred approach to early childhood education and care (ECEC). The jury commended the project for creating an environment that reflects a deep understanding of children’s developmental needs while also supporting educators and families.

The design integrates natural light, varied textures and open-ended spaces to encourage exploration, creativity and calm. Outdoor learning areas blend seamlessly with interior classrooms, and family-friendly features have been embedded throughout the site to foster inclusion and community engagement.

The recognition was reported by ArchitectureAU following the 2025 Tasmanian Architecture Awards, hosted by the Australian Institute of Architects.

Alma Street Childcare Centre was among 21 projects recognised across ten categories in this year’s awards, which took place in Launceston. The jury noted that the winning projects demonstrated both “technical mastery and deep social awareness,” with several reflecting emerging priorities in social infrastructure, including trauma-informed design and place-based learning.

“Alma Street exemplifies how architecture can actively contribute to wellbeing,” the jury said. “It shows that spaces for young children can be both joyful and practical, and that careful design can support educators to deliver high-quality care.”

The recognition comes at a time of renewed focus on the physical environments in which early learning takes place. As sector leaders and regulators continue to examine how space, staffing and pedagogy intersect, award-winning centres such as Alma Street offer valuable models of what best practice looks like when architectural intent aligns with educational purpose.

Jury chair Sarah Lindsay said this year’s entries sparked meaningful dialogue across themes such as sustainability, inclusive design, and the urgent need for high-quality social infrastructure.

“These projects remind us that architecture plays a powerful role not just in how we live, but in how we learn, connect and recover,” she said.

The Alma Street Childcare Centre’s win highlights the value of investing in well-designed early learning environments that support not only children, but also educators, families and communities. Its success adds momentum to national conversations around quality infrastructure in the ECEC sector and the role of built environments in supporting outcomes for Australia’s youngest citizens.

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