Kayla’s Children Centre

Client: Kayla’s Children Centre

Location: Vaughan, ON

Status: Complete

Kayla’s Children Centre provides educational, therapeutic, and recreational programs for children and young adults with disabilities, behavioural challenges, and complex medical needs. To support its growing programs, the Young Adult Healthy Living Hub was developed as a dedicated environment for adolescent participants, focused on fostering independence, life skills, and social-emotional development. The architectural design integrates educational and recreational functions, including a fitness centre, change rooms, art studio, classrooms, and a simulated life-skills apartment within a cohesive and accessible environment that supports learning, personal growth, and the transition to adulthood.

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    To create an engaging learning environment and memorable experiences for children with special needs, C& Partners carefully analyzed the movement patterns and functional requirements of different user groups to develop a comprehensive design solution. The result is a welcoming, mature, and highly accessible environment that supports learning, social interaction, and well-being.

    As other areas of the Centre had previously undergone renovations, the design maintains continuity by incorporating the Centre’s logo colors and natural materials, creating a cohesive experience throughout the facility. Extensive research into materials, color psychology, and environmental features suitable for young adults with disabilities further informed the design approach.

    A range of thoughtfully selected elements, including zoned and adjustable lighting, sensory spaces, soft furnishings, and calming color palettes were integrated to create an atmosphere that is both stimulating and relaxing. These design principles extend across all areas of the Centre, from the main corridors and fitness centre to the simulated life-skills apartment.

    In the main corridor, calming shades of blue and green were selected to promote comfort and reduce stress, while neutral tones help define and distinguish different functional zones. Linear LED lighting runs along the corridor and is complemented by cove lighting that highlights walls finished in soft, natural wood-tone laminate. Classroom entrances are identified by a vibrant green accent, while the sensory wall and fitness centre entrance feature a distinctive three-tone blue design. Comfortable seating alcoves, enhanced with custom wall graphics, provide inviting spaces for social interaction, relaxation, and informal gathering.

    Accessibility was a key consideration throughout the project. Upgraded stairs, ramps, and circulation routes ensure that all users can comfortably and independently access every area of the Centre.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, black countertops, stainless steel appliances, and two women, one in a wheelchair, preparing food at the island.
Interior of a children's playroom with a green and white color scheme, a bookshelf filled with toys and books, a beige sofa, a colorful area rug with animal and nature designs, a wall-mounted television, and a hanging fabric swing.
A hallway with wooden flooring, white walls, a painting featuring trees and nature, a doorway leading to a room with a window, and wall-mounted lights.
Yoga or exercise room with blue mats, a wall mirror, and a mountain mural on the wall.
Modern lobby with a green sofa, beige armchair, abstract artwork on the wall, wood paneling, and a circular coffee table. Includes wall-mounted lights, fire extinguisher, exit sign, glass door with a person outside, and a kitchenette with a sink.
Long hospital corridor with wooden paneling, green benches, wall mural of mountains and trees, and bright overhead lighting.
Wooden slat wall with an open door leading to a hallway with beige walls and a grey carpeted floor.
Hospital bathroom with medical equipment including a ceiling lift and a commode, seen through an open door.
Modern indoor gym with gym equipment including leg press, rowing machine, and treadmill, featuring wooden wall accents and high windows.
Interior view of a green bookshelf with white shelves containing toys, books, and decorations, next to a white wall with two oval wall lights.
Modern, brightly lit kitchen with people preparing food, large windows with greenery outside, and wooden floors.
Modern kitchen with white cabinetry, black countertops, and a central island with fruit. Stainless steel appliances and a green tiled backsplash. Wooden accents and open shelving, with a large window and contemporary lighting.
Empty fitness or exercise room with blue mats, two workout benches, and a mountain mural on the wall.
A modern indoor hallway with a staircase, wooden panel wall on the right, wall painting of a mountain and water on the left, ceiling lights, and handrails.
Empty hospital hallway with green bench seating, blue accents, decorative wall art, playful framed wall displays, and overhead lighting
Modern hospital corridor with green and wood panel walls, frosted glass door labeled 'Counsellor', and three doors labeled 'Study Room'. Ceiling has recessed lighting and a fire extinguisher is mounted on the wall.
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