by arslan_ahmed | February 1, 2024 5:04 pm
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In the heart of Joachim Park in Saguenay, Que., the Agence Spatiale, Appareil Architecture, and BGLA architecture consortium unveil École de l’Étincelle, a school designed to defy the conventional school model through a contextual architectural design. With a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, the school embodies Saguenay’s lifestyle, deeply rooted in its connection to nature.
The vision behind École de l’Étincelle seeks to reimagine traditional school structures, transforming them into child-friendly and accessible spaces that inspire a love for learning in an environment embracing a home away from home. The architects extensively used local resources, constructing the entire school with wood—from the architectural framework to the interior design. This not only reflects a commitment to eco-consciousness, but also keeps the structure firmly grounded in the local community.
The school’s layout features three wings serving distinct purposes. The street-facing wing includes staff rooms and preschool classes, emphasizing child safety with courtyard connections. The central wing transforms the library into a community learning hub with extended hours, fostering collaboration. The Creative Lab, equipped with cutting-edge technology, is adjacent to the tiered library, overlooking the courtyard. Its direct relationship with the library allows children to use the resources in both spaces. The left wing houses small, house-like schools formed by three cottages with sloped roofs, positioned to receive natural northern sunlight. Each grade is assigned distinct colors for easy orientation.
The Chalet, designed for students with special needs, provides a nurturing environment resembling a home, equipped with a small living room, a kitchen with an island, and a small dining area.
Crafted by Collectif Escargo, and Rousseau Lefevbre, the landscape expands the learning space beyond the school walls. A secure inner courtyard with sports circuits, outdoor classrooms, gardens, and play spaces shields the area from extreme weather conditions. Efficient energy use is a hallmark of École de l’Étincelle, with electromechanical systems designed for sustainability, comfort, operational simplicity, and harmony with the architecture. Centralized air-source heat pumps and hot and cold hydronic radiant floors ensure year-round comfort, while a displacement ventilation model integrates diffusers directly into the architecture for enhanced energy efficiency. All electro-mechanical elements are housed in the school’s machine room. The school aspires to achieve LEED V4 certification. École de l’Étincelle stands as a testament to innovative architecture, sustainable practices, and a commitment to providing an enriching learning environment that reflects the spirit of Saguenay.Top of Form
Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/quebec-architectural-project-deconstructs-traditional-school-model/
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