Tla’amin Nation Child Care
Tla’amin Nation Child Care
British Columbia
Size
3200 Sq. Ft.
Year
2025
Age Group
Infant & Toddler
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Overview:
Tla’amin reached out to Bienenstock to partner on a vision for creating spaces that meet the needs of children in their space. Their commitment to serving their community—including child care and First Nations groups—shaped a project that is both functional and deeply respectful of the natural world.
Working closely with the Tla’amin team, we developed a plan that was both responsive to the community’s needs and true to the school’s broader vision. What began as two separate asks, one for an infant and toddler space and another for a larger build, was combined into a single project, streamlining the schedule and creating efficiencies that allowed both spaces to be completed together. The design, production, and installation phases moved quickly, ensuring the project was ready to open in time for the new school year.
Designing Through a Child’s Lens
Every element of the project was guided by a child-led design perspective. The goal was to create spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity, and collaboration while connecting children to the natural world.
Among the highlights is a custom harvest table, hand-crafted from a beautifully tapered log that naturally invites gathering, play, and discovery. Its organic character, with unique nooks and crannies, offers children endless opportunities to plant, hide, and explore—while preserving the strength and integrity of the wood.
The space also features areas designed for social collaboration, log chairs that create quiet corners for reflection, and hillside slides that encourage gross motor play and joyful movement.
The Making of the Harvest Table – A Story of Collaboration
The harvest table reflects the ongoing collaboration between the design and production teams. The design team sketched a concept with children’s use at the forefront, while the production team sourced the right log, evaluated every detail, and provided feedback throughout the process to bring the table to life. From the first drawing to the final finish, the focus remained on how children would interact with the table—sliding their feet under its tapered base, tending to small plantings, or gathering with friends. The chosen log was selected for its rare shape and strength, making the table a one-of-a-kind piece that embodies social play, collaboration, and respect for natural materials.
The Harvest Table
