Project description

This school is a central hub for the community and encourages outdoor learning and a strong connection to nature. The design uses framing and mass timber where most effective, with close-spaced glulam beams enabling thin cross laminated timber slabs, reducing material quantities and improving dynamic performance. Ply-braced timber walls provide seismic resistance, while tie rods counter roof joist buckling.

Judge’s comments

A well-executed series of predominantly timber school buildings elevated by careful structural detailing and material efficiency. The five-building campus uses timber in both structure and finishes to balance natural beauty with construction efficiency. A standout feature is the innovative wood-based composite system for the mezzanines, combining glulam beams and cross laminated timber slabs, assembled entirely on-site with simple tools.

Developed in collaboration with university researchers, the project combines technical rigour and timber engineering to deliver an exemplary educational environment.

Project overview

Structural Designer

  • Latéral

Client Name

  • Centre de services scolaire du Val-des-Cerfs

Location

  • Quebec, Canada

Architect

  • Pelletier de Fontenay, Leclerc Architectes

Principal Contractor

  • Les Constructions Binet

Key Contractors

  • Mechanical and electrical engineers: Bouthillette Parizeau 

    Civil engineers: Gravitaire

    Landscape architects: Fauteux et associés

Year Submitted

  • 2025

Key attributes

  • Process, Profession