Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare: A Purpose-Built Permanent Modular Childcare Facility
When Good Shepherd Health Care System set out to expand childcare services for employees and families in Hermiston, Oregon, they needed more than additional classroom space. The goal was to create a dedicated early learning environment designed to support children at every stage of development while providing a healthy, comfortable setting for educators and staff.
Working with Blazer Industries and Portland State University, Pacific Mobile Structures delivered an 8,960-square-foot permanent modular daycare facility that combines innovative design, sustainable building principles, and purpose-built learning spaces.
Project Overview
The completed daycare consists of 10 modular sections brought together to create a cohesive, single-story facility tailored specifically to Good Shepherd’s childcare program. Rather than adapting an existing building design, the facility was planned around the unique needs of infants, toddlers, preschool-age children, and the educators who support them each day.
Key project features include:
- 8,960 square feet of learning and support space
- 10-module permanent modular construction
- Dedicated infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms
- Kitchen and support areas
- Staff workspaces and storage rooms
- Integrated solar tubes for enhanced natural daylighting
- Distinctive butterfly roof design
- SAGE (Smart Academic Green Environment) design principles
Building for Early Learning
Successful childcare facilities are designed around how children learn, grow, and interact. At Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare, every space serves a specific purpose within the daily operations of the program.
Dedicated classrooms accommodate different age groups, providing learning environments appropriate for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Support areas, including a kitchen, storage rooms, and staff spaces, help ensure the facility functions efficiently while allowing educators to focus on providing quality care.
Because the building was designed specifically for Good Shepherd’s program, the layout supports both operational needs and the overall learning experience for children.
Bringing SAGE Principles to Childcare
A defining feature of this project is the incorporation of Smart Academic Green Environment (SAGE) principles.
Developed through collaboration with Portland State University, the SAGE approach focuses on creating healthier educational environments through thoughtful building design. Rather than relying on a single feature, SAGE integrates multiple strategies that enhance occupant comfort and well-being, including:
- Natural daylighting
- Fresh air and indoor air quality considerations
- Sustainable material selection
- Energy-efficient building practices
- Improved environmental comfort for occupants
For young children who spend much of their day indoors, these design considerations help create bright, welcoming spaces that support learning and daily activities.
Architectural Features That Set the Building Apart
The Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare demonstrates how modular construction can support custom architectural design.
One of the most visible features is the building’s striking butterfly roof, which gives the facility a unique identity while showcasing the design flexibility available with permanent modular construction. The roofline creates a memorable visual presence that distinguishes the daycare from traditional childcare facilities.
Inside, integrated solar tubes bring natural light deeper into the building, helping illuminate interior spaces beyond perimeter windows. Combined with the facility’s overall daylighting strategy, these features contribute to a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout the building.
Offsite Construction, Onsite Results
The facility was manufactured by Blazer Industries using an offsite modular construction process. Building components were constructed in a controlled manufacturing environment before being transported to the project site in Hermiston for installation.
Pacific Mobile Structures managed project delivery, coordinating transportation, site preparation, module installation, and final completion.
This streamlined approach allowed the project team to efficiently transform 10 individual modules into a fully integrated childcare facility while maintaining the project’s design goals and quality standards.
A Space Designed for the Community
The finished Good Shepherd SAGE Daycare reflects what is possible when thoughtful design, modular construction, and educational best practices come together. The facility provides dedicated early learning spaces for children while supporting the educators and staff who help the program succeed.
By combining SAGE principles, custom architectural features, and permanent modular construction, Good Shepherd now has a purpose-built childcare center designed to serve families for years to come.
Planning a Modular Childcare Facility?
Whether you’re developing a daycare, preschool, early learning center, or educational facility, Pacific Mobile Structures can help bring your vision to life with permanent modular construction solutions designed around your operational needs.
Contact Pacific Mobile Structures at 800.225.6539 to discuss your childcare facility project.
