Whirlpool Corporation sought to develop The Eddy as an on-campus resource for approximately 4,000 employees working in surrounding facilities. The objective was to create an accessible childcare facility, both in terms of location and affordability, that would benefit the Whirlpool’s working families. As accessible, affordable, and enrichment-minded childcare options lack in the area, Whirlpool’s investment in The Eddy addresses a growing corporate need to provide work-life balance links that aid in recruitment and retention of workplace talent.

The architecture and landscaping are woven into the existing fabric of the site, shifting the form and layout to celebrate the existing mature oak trees; over 50 trees were saved overall. Using the symbol of trees as further design inspiration, the trees’ growth rings relate to the development of the children. An elliptical ring shape – similar to the Whirlpool logo and reminiscent of trees’ growth rings – inspire the profile of the terrarium, the learning pavilion, and elements throughout the landscape.

The building shape is formed by two wings that spring off a central communal space. Entry to the building is clearly defined with a covered canopy and ample transparency. An intuitive entry experience includes space for parents with children in tow to freely move about and a secure check-in process that provides a calming reassurance for parents dropping off children for the day.

The main communal spaces of the building feature tactile and interactive elements that aim to inspire a sense of wonderment, encourage imaginative play, and develop self-confidence.

The centerpiece of the design is the elliptically shaped terrarium, featuring large swaths of glass that allow visual connection in layers - from the entrance lobby to the multipurpose room and beyond to the outdoor playground.

The walls of the earth atmosphere-simulated room are finished with a delightful, calming blue gradient that is accentuated by dimmable lighting and color-changing LED twinkle lights above.

Classroom entry points along the corridor are highlighted with vibrant, playful vestibules and naturally lit with skylights to provide a hospitable threshold at the key child nodes. The hustle and bustle of drop off and pick up required materials of resilience and durability in these high traffic corridors.

The classrooms are efficiently shaped rectangles with attention to clear sightlines to all areas of the room. Ample natural light and connection to the outdoors are produced, both physically with direct access to the playground and visually with the child-size, inside/outside bays that project into the natural exterior play area.

The outdoor activity areas are positioned in a way to secure and screen children from the road and parking. The outdoor activity area is architecturally anchored by a ring-shaped pavilion covered by a multi-colored tensile shade structure. The communal pavilion acts as outdoor classroom space, a performance stage, and a visual landmark for the playground.

The success of the project lies in the combination and integration of building and nature to create spaces that bring the mind and body together and provide room for children to run, climb, slide, explore, and express themselves in an intentional and secure environment.

Honoring the native site topography, hydrology, and vegetation resulted in a nature-directed siting and building placement. An existing low-lying area provides a natural on-site stormwater detention, crafted carefully with wetland-specific vegetation to become a pond.

Plant material creates seasonal interest throughout the year, is non-toxic, berry-less/ thorn-less, and does not obstruct views of managing children in outdoor learning and play. Preservation of deciduous trees organizes and ‘bends’ the building in response. The trees contain passive educational opportunities with seating areas and storytelling nooks, with ample shade provided by their canopies. Adjustable lighting levels and formats, local controls, and occupancy sensors support individual classrooms.

The interior LED lighting gain further efficiency through the addition of daylight harvesting controls where natural light abounds. Capitalizing on the linear efficiency of the design, the HVAC system control is classroom specific, providing enhanced dehumidification, thermal comfort, and controllability in response to the season, age group, and activity level occurring within each classroom.

Objectives that became guiding principles include community and connections, environmental sensitivity, and energy efficiency. The design implemented each objective through strategies with thoughtfulness to the types and ages of the building’s many users. Performance objectives are joined with functional aspirations of creating an environment that appeals to a parent’s need for child safety and security, fosters a child’s inquisitive sense of discovery, and provides order and control for a teacher.