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Agrandissement École primaire Montmartre
By : TLA Architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 15th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Public Building / School & Preschool Education Building : Silver Certification
Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Wood : Gold Certification
Without a doubt, Montmartre Elementary School in Pointe-aux-Trembles was in great need of renewal. Acknowledging the obsolescence of the premises, the Pointe-de-l'Île service center hired TLA Architects to provide the school an extension that includes a new gymnasium, 6 new classrooms and many other knowledge sharing amenities.
During the very first visit, the team noted the weaknesses of the existing building. TLA Architectes quickly recommended an extended and more comprehensive renovation for the well-being of the users. From the proposed new volumes arose a rigorous composition of socialization, learning and sharing spaces between students, teachers, and other staff members.
A new contemporary and uncluttered volume in perfect harmony with the existing building allowed for the insertion of many new knowledge sharing rooms such as a library, 3 pre-school classrooms, 2 daycare classrooms, a double gymnasium, a community kitchen, as well as various socialization and relaxation areas. The renovation of the existing building allowed for the transformation of a palestra into 3 kindergartens and 3 multi-purpose rooms. As for the former library, it was transformed into a break room for teachers and staff members.
The design of the extension favors a constant dialogue between users and the outside environment. The project is inspired by the warm and motivating Scandinavian schools. First, natural light generously bathes the vast living spaces. Starting with the gymnasium, TLA provided generous portions of glass atop of the north wall while adding an entirely glazed corner from floor to ceiling. This material demineralization brings the energy of natural light forward without the distracting glare. Examples of coherent natural light management can also be found in the corridors and common spaces where curtain walls offer views of the surrounding nature.
The renewable natural resource that is wood is omnipresent in the project and can be seen on walls and ceilings throughout the extension. It is also found in the form of cabinetry and woodworking elements such as shelves, storage cabinets and benches. With such an extensive use, wood finally claims its rightful place as a structural and ornamental element prized in sustainable architecture.
The building features an innovative and aesthetically pleasing hybrid wood-steel structure that minimizes the impact of exposed mechanical elements. In some sections of the building, the less elegant steel beams are covered with laminated wood boxes that hide the steel while creating useful spaces to conceal electrical wiring and various ducts.
The most impressive transformation of this school is the creation of a fully landscaped green roof for urban agriculture. With this great feature, children can learn where food comes from in a playful context while simultaneously discovering how to prepare it in the new community kitchen. In the end, the multi-functional facilities become real educational tools that achieve success while embodying the vision of sustainable and engaged architecture.
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