Ruisseau school

The Ruisseau School project aimed to add eight (8) classrooms for four-year-old kindergarten, as well as one (1) double gymnasium, one (1) multipurpose room, and maintenance work on the existing building. The classroom wing, developed over two (2) levels with a dual-pitched roof, draws inspiration from the agricultural past of the area, marked by the presence of a heritage barn located in front of the school. The simple volume of the extension thus harmonizes with local history and the sloped roofs of the existing school.

Upon arrival, children discover the profile of a gabled house adorned with small colorful windows, creating an imaginative world that fosters a sense of belonging. Inside, the use of the attic height offers exceptional spaces for learning. Located near a wooded area, all classroom windows are oriented toward the greenery, giving the impression that nature blends into the space. An outdoor covered classroom, directly connected to the adjacent forest, reinforces this biophilic approach, generating well-being and promoting academic success.

From a construction standpoint, a hybrid structure was chosen. Wood, showcased in the gymnasium volume, aesthetically exposes columns, beams, and decking on the ceiling. In other areas (classrooms, lockers, technical spaces) where the structure is not visible, steel was preferred to meet budget constraints. Wood remains omnipresent thanks to the integration of fixed furniture in Baltic plywood.

The interior layout offers a variety of collaborative spaces (bleachers, alcoves, climbing wall, reading and relaxation zones, mobile furniture) that enliven the corridors and provide children with a unique and stimulating experience.