Nestled within a treed landscape near the Stawamus River, Valleycliffe Daycare is a purpose-built childcare facility co-located on the site of an existing elementary school in Squamish, BC. Responding to the community’s urgent need for accessible and high-quality childcare, the District of Squamish partnered with School District 48 (SD48) and Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCSS) to create 36 licensed childcare spaces, including 12 Infant/Toddler and 24 Group Care spaces for children aged 30 months to school age.

The design features prefabricated wood cassette panels supplied by local manufacturer Tag Panel Systems, enabling the building structure to be fabricated off-site and erected on-site within a week. This modular approach minimized disruption on the active school campus and protected construction activities from Squamish’s wet climate, ensuring quality and efficiency.

Architecturally, the building’s lines and roofscape draw inspiration from the surrounding mountain ranges, integrating the daycare harmoniously into its dramatic natural context. Durable, fire-resistant materials throughout the exterior ensure resilience and longevity, while generous roof overhangs provide shelter from heavy coastal rainfall—creating a safe, welcoming environment for children to learn and play.

studioHuB Architects collaborated closely with SD48, SSCSS, licensing bodies, and health authorities to ensure the facility met all regulatory, pedagogical, and operational requirements, reflecting best practices in early childhood education and outdoor play space design.