RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE BC + YUKON

RENOVATION | #JBDCARES | VANCOUVER

"Let's Play” - Ronald McDonald House

The “Let’s Play” project began as an upgrade to a pre-existing playroom for sick kids as they and their parents awaited treatment. The ultimate goal was to create a “home away from home” experience by creating an environment of comfort and a sanctuary for play during an otherwise stressful time. It was important to design a space where kids would actually want to play, while still providing a haven for parents and guardians to unwind between hospitalizations and doctor visits.

The main features of the upgrade included a playhouse area with a play kitchen, grocery store, dress-up area, a reading nook fit with custom planetary seating, and a massive peg board. Wall-to-wall murals were specialty painted by local artists to liven up the space and stimulate a child’s mind. Colour was used cohesively: bold colours were juxtaposed with muted colours, wood cabinets, and other natural materials to bring a touch of the outside in. How each space and activity flowed into the next was also a factor. The space-themed circular bench and bookshelves were built into the wall to open up the space and allow more floor space for movement. Such an open space needed plentiful light and the entire back wall of floor-to-ceiling windows kept the space illuminated. For privacy, we installed automatic rollers.

Throughout the space, we played up tactile elements to bring in more interaction and creative learning. In the play kitchen, included a farmhouse sink and real knobs from a professional range (without a hot surface) so that the play would feel authentic. The design had to be timeless and easily adaptable to anticipate changing needs. Special attention was paid to detail when incorporating play stations: instead of the usual plastic, custom-built stations around the space to make them more permanent. However, if the need arose, stationary elements could be changed into something completely different. For example, the kitchen space could be swapped for a craft table. Choices like these also ensured our environmental footprint remained low.

To accomplish the overall goal of creating a space that kids would actually want to be in, we simply asked them what they wanted. While some of their answers were unanticipated, they provided helpful insight into child-centred design. Aspects we didn’t even consider, such as the types of toys and activities to include, were given another look-over to account for outdated gender biases and learned behaviour. The design concept evolved to include unrestrictive activities and toys with a more gender-fluid approach.

While the space was kid-centred, it was still important to consider the adults who would also use the space. Large (adult-sized) loungers for guardians to relax and put their feet up. To keep it inclusive for people of all ages and sizes, we provided a big open floor space that allows smaller children and babies to use the space.

Over 30 companies, artists, donors, and tradespeople contributed to the project. They offered everything from drywall to TVs, murals to lighting, and everything in between. The community went above and beyond to help complete the project and the industry networked extensively to ensure the project turned out to be the best version of itself.

Build Team: Alair Homes Vancouver

Photography: Janis Nicolay Photography

Video photography credit - Godfrey Cheng

Part of Jamie Banfield Design’s core values include family and giving back to the community. A collaboration with Ronald McDonald House just made sense and the possibilities for designing such a space were exciting (and definitely quite out of their wheelhouse). The initiative of the “Let’s Play” design strategy came out of a desire to give children a chance at creative, joyful and imaginative play but also embodied the team’s design approach. Literally, the mantra for the design process was “let’s go play and see what we could come up with.”

Featured blog post - The Making of the “Let’s Play” Space

Thank you to our generous trade, industry NETWORK, and donors:

Alair Homes - Renovation contractor

Audio Insider - Supply of television mount

Benjamin Moore - (Fleetwood store) - Donation of paint and painting supplies

Birdman the Welder - Supply and fabrication of the reading knock metal face

Bradford Hardware - Supply of decorative hardware

CF Interiors - Supply of furniture

City Spark Electrical Ltd - Electrical contractor

Dicks Lumber - Supply of building materials

Divine Flooring - Supply and installation of flooring

Ella Kerr - Artist mural feature wall

Fast Signs of Coquitlam - Fabrication + supply installation of wall decal mural and decal art

Formica Canada - Supply of material for “peg board” accessories

General Sprinkler System - Sprinkler / Mechanical contractor

Hardwoods Inc. - Supply of building materials

Hitech Wall + Ceiling - Drywall contractor

Jade Walls - Installation of “dress up” wallpaper

Janis Nicolay Photography - Interior photographer

Jamie Banfield Design Inc. - Interior Design team

Jamie Banfield Design Inc. - Donation of toys

Kitply Industries - Supplier of building materials

Kiwanis Club of Vancouver - Donation of toys

Luminous Cabinets - Supply + installation of cabinetry

Maharam - Donation of the “dress up” wallpaper

Maid4U Canda Ltd. - Post-construction cleaning

MJY Fabrication - Supply + installation of “dress up” mirror and “peg board” accessories

Midland Appliances - Supply of stove knobs “farm kitchen”

Notice Graphics - Installation of wall decal mural and decal art

O’Neil Interiors - Drywall contractor

Pacific Rim Cabinets - Supply + installation of cabinetry + peg wall

Pacific West Floor Decor - Supply, fabrication + installation of countertops

Richelieu Hardware - Supply of hardware + “peg board” doweling

Premier Automation and Design - Supply + installation of automated window coverings

Robinson Lighting & Bathroom - Supply of “dress up” decorative lighting” and “farmers kitchen” plumbing fixtures

Staub Electronics Ltd - Supply of televisions + audio

Tidy trailers - Site clean up and disposal

Vanguard Painting Ltd. - Interior painting contractor

Vancouver Community College Graphic Design Programs - Artist (Jenna Gasbarro, Kim Pham, and Roiz Pham) Design of the interior feature wall, reading nook stars and “farm kitchen” decals + “grocers” logo

Velle’s Furniture - Supply + fabrication of reading nook bench