Toronto, ON
Locating this new school proved to be a challenge as it occupies a narrow site near Bayview and Finch, flanked by both private residences and a group of town homes. The site is both long and narrow, and with a full secondary program to fit, required an innovative design solution to fulfil Toronto Catholic District School Board needs, as well as the surrounding neighbourhood. The school is 2-storeys, with a basement and situated at the south end of the site. With the need for a full play field and parking, the decision was made to add a 93-spot parking structure underground. This allowed the site to remain both open for student sport use, but also for the neighbourhood that uses the existing field for events and daily routines.
The shape of the school is unique in that it curves and encloses an internalized Courtyard which introduces light and air into an otherwise efficient and compact plan which is capped off with 2 large green roofs over the atrium and gym. The academic and administrative block of the school is configured in a L-shape around the central Courtyard. Immediately adjacent and proximal to the Courtyard are most public student spaces: Cafeteria, Gymnasium, Library, and a private Chapel. The chapel is also a distinct building which creates a private enclosure for the courtyard and is always in view from the students. The interior design of the school treats each wing as a zone, using color to co-ordinate between areas, with quality learning spaces, state of the art science rooms and break out ‘nooks’ for student group work, even the hallways are designed for student learning. Both main entrances flank the glazed administration block which is distinct from the rest of the white glazed tile ground floor, with the top 2 storeys adding strength and weight with a vertical brick pattern punctuated by large, glazed openings for stairs and the 2-storey library space. Juxtaposing the exterior finishes are the interior courtyard with it’s a gold-coloured metal assembly and full height curtain wall system.
Client
Toronto Catholic District School Board
Size
104,969 sf
Program
Grades 9-12 Secondary School
22 Classrooms
Special Education
Library / Resource Centre
General Purpose Room / Gym
Technology labs