A permanent modular childcare facility can give organizations the opportunity to create a purpose-built environment around the needs of children, staff, and the programs they support. For Good Shepherd Health Care System in Hermiston, Oregon, the goal was to create a dedicated childcare facility for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children.

The result is an 8,960-square-foot permanent modular childcare facility that incorporates Smart Academic Green Environment (SAGE) design principles. The facility combines purpose-built early learning spaces with SAGE design, including natural daylighting, as well as distinctive architectural features such as integrated solar tubes and a butterfly roof.

Constructed in 10 modules and installed by Pacific Mobile Structures, the Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare demonstrates how permanent modular construction can create a customized facility for early childhood education.

A Purpose-Built Permanent Modular Childcare Facility

The Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare was developed in collaboration with Blazer and Portland State University. Pacific Mobile Structures installed the completed modular building in Hermiston, Oregon.

The single-story facility includes spaces designed for different stages of early childhood development, including:

• Infant rooms
• Toddler rooms
• Preschool classroom
• Kitchen
• Storage areas
• Staff support spaces

The layout was designed around the way the facility would operate each day. As a result, the spaces support the needs of young children while also providing staff with the areas they need to care for and supervise them.

Rather than adapting an existing building to accommodate a childcare program, the project created a facility specifically for its intended use. This approach allowed the design team to plan for different age groups, daily activities, circulation, and support functions from the beginning.

Permanent modular construction also provided the flexibility to create a customized building. Modular facilities can incorporate specific layouts, architectural features, structural requirements, and interior finishes based on the needs of each project.

What Is SAGE Design?

The Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare incorporates Smart Academic Green Environment (SAGE) design principles. SAGE is an approach to creating healthier, higher-quality learning environments by addressing factors such as indoor environmental quality, natural daylighting, air movement, material selection, and long-term building performance.

At Good Shepherd, SAGE design principles were incorporated into the facility to support the children and staff who use the building each day.

Natural daylighting is one component of the SAGE design approach. The facility also incorporates other elements of the SAGE approach related to the indoor environment, air movement, materials, and long-term building performance.

For childcare and early learning environments, these principles can be especially valuable. Children and staff spend much of their day indoors. Therefore, thoughtful building design can contribute to a learning environment that supports their daily experience.

Natural Daylighting and Distinctive Architectural Design

Natural daylighting is an important part of the SAGE design at the Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare. In addition, integrated solar tubes bring daylight deeper into the building, helping create bright and welcoming interior spaces.

The building also features a distinctive butterfly roof. The roof creates a recognizable architectural profile while increasing interior volume.

Together, these features contribute to the character and function of the facility while demonstrating the design flexibility possible with permanent modular construction.

Modular construction does not require a one-size-fits-all building. Instead, project teams can incorporate architectural features that respond to the purpose of the facility and the needs of the people who use it.

Offsite Construction Supports Quality and Efficient Installation

The Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare was constructed using an offsite modular building process. Much of the building was fabricated in a controlled environment before the modules were transported to the project site.

After the modules arrived in Hermiston, Pacific Mobile Structures completed the installation of the building.

By moving much of the construction process offsite, modular construction can help support quality and consistency throughout the building process. It can also streamline installation and allow project partners to coordinate work before the modules arrive at the site.

For a permanent modular childcare facility, this approach combines the efficiency of offsite construction with the customization expected from a purpose-built building.

Designing Permanent Modular Childcare Facilities Around Early Learning Needs

Every childcare program has different requirements. The number and age of children served can influence the layout. In addition, staffing, programming, support functions, and site conditions can all affect the design.

Permanent modular childcare facilities can be designed to accommodate a variety of spaces, including:

• Infant and toddler rooms
• Preschool classrooms
• Staff and administrative areas
• Kitchens and food preparation spaces
• Storage
• Support spaces
• Specialized learning environments

Because the building can be designed around its intended use, organizations can create a facility that supports their specific programs instead of adapting their operations to an existing floor plan.

For example, the Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare brings together purpose-built early learning spaces, SAGE design principles, and distinctive architectural features in a permanent modular building created for long-term childcare use.

Creating Better Spaces for Early Childhood Education

The Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare demonstrates how permanent modular construction can support the development of purpose-built early learning environments.

The 8,960-square-foot facility provides dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. It also incorporates SAGE design principles, including natural daylighting, along with integrated solar tubes and a distinctive butterfly roof.

Ultimately, permanent modular construction gives organizations a flexible way to develop customized childcare facilities. By considering the needs of children, staff, and the organization from the beginning, a modular building can become a long-term environment designed around its intended purpose.

Planning a Permanent Modular Childcare Facility?

Pacific Mobile Structures can help organizations develop purpose-built modular facilities tailored to their project requirements. Whether you are planning a permanent modular childcare facility, an early learning center, or another specialized educational environment, our team can help.

From planning through installation, Pacific Mobile Structures works with project teams to deliver modular building solutions designed around their specific needs.

Contact our team at 800.225.6539 to discuss your childcare facility project.