The Toddler Hut is a not-for-profit community run playgroup for 2½ - 5 year olds. Started in 1929 it is the oldest independent childcare facility in the UK. It is situated on a along the promenade, overlooking the sea in Portobello, Edinburgh's seaside. The existing building is not fit for purpose with leaking roofs, drafty windows and very poor energy performance.  Local Architects, Konishi Gaffney, have developed exciting designs that have recently gone out to local community consultation. horner + maclennan contributed with the design of the play area, developing planting plans and the external wall proposals to submit for planning application, which has since been granted, thus allowing the funding campaign to begin in earnest. The playground space is based on the idea of repeating the promenade in the play area - using simple materials to replicate:  the prom; the sea wall;  the sand; the sea and a desert island with a tree.