Model Community and early education center.
Clogher Valley Community Center
Ashley McGraw Architects was engaged by Early Years, Northern Ireland’s national organization for child care and out-of-school-time programs, to design a Model Community and Early Education Center that would elevate the quality of early childhood environments and serve as a catalyst for cross-community cooperation in a historically divided region.
Ashley McGraw provided comprehensive services from programming through construction documents, collaborating closely with Early Years to develop a vision that is both educationally innovative and socially transformative. Located on a site that incorporates a former Irish workhouse, the project preserves this important piece of history while introducing a thoughtfully designed addition to create a cohesive and inspiring campus.
The 17,668-square-foot facility reflects Reggio-Emilia–inspired principles, supporting child-led learning, strong connections to nature, and flexible, open-ended environments. Carefully integrated indoor and outdoor spaces support play, gardening, and community gatherings, while a dedicated suite of shared-use community spaces encourages interaction and collaboration across cultural and religious lines.
As one of the few educational initiatives in Northern Ireland that is not “single-identity,” this center stands as a powerful model for inclusive education and community-building, offering both a high-quality learning environment and a vision for peace and shared future.
*This project was completed as studioMLA Architects prior to the acquisition with Ashley McGraw Architects.
