The new elementary school in Joliette is located in the municipal park of Saint-Charles-Borromée. The new building of two floors has 12 elementary classrooms, two kindergarten classrooms, a daycare center, a computer room, a resource room, a gym and a large multipurpose space.
The multipurpose space is established at the school center, in direct connection with the gym and daycare. It forms the heart of the school and contributes positively to the spirit of the place. It was set up to allow a variety of usage: a cafeteria, a meeting place for parents and teachers, theater, etc. From the front to the rear of the structure a transparency is created to allow the enrichment by natural light.
Upstairs, the library is treated as an object of value for children. From to the street, it becomes the focal point of the building. The architectural treatment recalls a treehouse. This metaphor makes this place special and precious in the eyes of children. The architecture participates to the important mission of the school: the value of reading. The wood is used to create a warm and friendly atmosphere unique to this place.
The school integrates the criteria of energy-efficiency, including the use of energy-efficient windows, the use of renewable energies (geothermal system), thermal insulation that exceeds the energy saving standards and the use of surface products with very low volatile organic compounds emission to promote good air quality. Sun oriented special windows were installed and a white roof was also added.
Cost
6,2M $Awards
INNO Magazine (Numéro 15 - Automne/Hiver 2012Magazine ESQUISSES, Automne 2015, Volume 26, numéro 3
