Share to
École des Cerisiers (Lab-École de Maskinongé)
By : Paquet | Taillefer + Leclerc architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Special Awards / Acoustic : Silver Certification
Categories : Education, Institution & Healthcare / Elementary School & Kindergarten : Platinum Winner
Categories : Special Awards / Interior Design +Wood : Gold Certification
Located in the heart of the municipality of Maskinongé, the École des Cerisiers expansion project aimed to welcome all the village’s students under one roof. Inspired by the learning street model, the project created a site-wide educational pathway. With its linear configuration, the new building occupies a distinct presence on each of the three surrounding streets. This layout structures the school’s main functions and multiplies access to the building, creating a welcoming environment for students and open to the community.
.
At the center of the school, the dining room offers a bright, convivial gathering place. This space features an open kitchen and direct links to the playground, préau and gardens. École des Cerisiers stands out for its educational program that integrates food into school activities, using harvests to cook and learn, while raising awareness of the importance of local produce.
.
Inspired by the region’s vernacular architecture, the project features formal simplicity, intimate scale and a large double-sloped roof that blends harmoniously into the context of the village of Maskinongé. The predominant use of wood, both for the framework and the interior finishes, contributes to the influence of local resources and know-how, while promoting the creation of appropriable and inspiring learning spaces.
The exterior spaces are designed to be as open as possible to the surrounding environment.
The outdoor spaces are used to their full potential to provide a healthy, verdant environment for students and the community, with a variety of places to meet, play and discover. Bordered by large, mature poplars, the sunny courtyard is crossed by circulation axes leading to the covered gallery where students gather. The new gymnasium, by virtue of its strategic position, offers openings to outdoor sports games and provides access to village residents outside school hours.
.
The Lab-École de Maskinongé project presents a school environment adapted to its local reality, a place rich in human and educational experiences.
Collaboration
Architect : Leclerc architectes Inc.
