A vacant 1960s boarding school has been skillfully converted into a lively, warm and modern daycare facility. The new addition flanks the perimeter of the existing building, disguising it with new macrocarpa rainscreen cladding, nesting the building into its rural bush landscape. A carefully positioned new wing creates a well-proportioned central courtyard, preserving an existing mature tree as its focal point. The client’s aspiration to achieve a strong connection to nature has been realised, with the free flow of indoor-outdoor circulation, glazing and indoor planting. Wide eaves generously project into the outdoor courtyard spaces, providing the children with shelter and respite from the elements for unrestricted play.