First Steps Count - Coming Full Circle

This project is everything and more we have worked for the last 35 years of design & construction.
First Steps Count Child and Community Centre matches the unique construction with a peerless organisation and function of a child and community centre.

This demanding project was heavily informed by the Living Building Challenge which is the most rigorous international sustainability criteria for buildings and we feel most privileged to have been chosen as the builder for this project.

The greatest challenge for us was the material petal (one of 7 in LBC), which required an extensive study of all materials prior to construction to check their suitability against the LBC Red-list materials (these are chemicals in construction which pose serious risks to human health). We also had a strong bias towards local building supplies. While demanding, this created fantastic opportunities for new approaches in all areas of up-cycling, recycling, low carbon concrete and promoting low waste construction. Close collaboration and partnerships with Mid Coast Council, Newcastle University, local industry and professionals have advanced all these initiatives as well as promoting the circular economy in a variety of areas.

Authenticity has been the driver for this project in its choice of materials as well. They were picked for their longevity and the patina they develop over time. There is an honesty and truthfulness that comes from their own inherent beauty and the obvious craftsmanship involved.

Positive and regenerative, not less bad but actually good

All concrete used in this project - footings, block-fill, slabs and footpaths - was using 100% recycled aggregate content. The floors are burnished and exposed aggregate finish - a testimony to excellent product and workmanship. The concrete in all its different uses was supplied by Great Lakes Concrete.

FSC is a fantastic example of Biophilic Design. The spaces inspire, they are healthy, restorative and the building sits well on country.

Another beautiful angle to this project is the integration of community art arranged and guided by local artist Ali Haigh.

The input from all demographics of the community leave a tangible impression full of diversity, fun and inspiration.

Other products used for their environmental credentials are Interface for first ever negative carbon carpet tile. Kandui Technologies provided some of the wall tiles made of recycled materials including textiles and glass