The École du Zénith, designed by Pelletier de Fontenay in collaboration with Leclerc Architects, is a school that stands out for its seamless integration of architecture and the natural environment. Located in Shefford, Canada, this project offers a new model for educational spaces in Quebec, blending sustainable design with thoughtful spatial arrangements.
A New Horizon in School Design
École du Zénith redefines the typical school layout, creating a visually stunning and functional space. Set against the backdrop of Mount Shefford, the school is composed of pavilions that frame an inner courtyard. The arrangement allows for a strong visual connection to the surrounding landscape, giving students a constant reminder of the world beyond the classroom. This design also reinforces the concept of community, with individual pavilions representing different academic cycles while connecting them in a unified, communal space.
The use of overhanging roofs and large windows enhances the permeability between the indoors and outdoors, making the architecture feel almost like an extension of the landscape. Students enter through the courtyard, which is not only a gathering space but also a carefully designed garden, complete with local trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
The Courtyard as a Learning Environment
The courtyard plays a central role in the École du Zénith’s design, functioning as both a social and educational hub. The large, open area can accommodate all students, providing them with an active space to explore. Natural elements like rocks serve as benches, barriers, and play structures, giving students the chance to interact with the landscape in a meaningful way.
A section of the courtyard near the kitchen is even used as an edible forest, where students can engage with the environment through gardening. This direct connection with nature enhances the educational experience by fostering a sense of responsibility and interaction with the ecosystem.
Simplicity Meets Spatial Complexity
One of the defining aspects of École du Zénith is its balance between simplicity and complexity. While the overall organization of the school is straightforward, the architectural spaces themselves are rich and varied. The classrooms feature sloped roofs that create generous ceiling heights, giving a sense of openness. Shared collaboration zones unfold into double-height spaces, creating an environment that encourages group interaction and creative thinking.
The school also incorporates innovative design elements like mezzanines and bleacher stairs that encourage informal learning and socializing. The interplay of light, space, and form creates a dynamic interior environment that challenges the traditional idea of a classroom.
Sustainability and Bioclimatic Design
Sustainability is at the core of École du Zénith’s design. The architects have intentionally avoided mechanical air conditioning, opting instead for natural ventilation. Roof overhangs provide shade to minimize solar gains, while triangular chimneys allow for zenithal light to flood the spaces below. These chimneys also act as natural ventilation shafts, directing warm air upwards and out of the building.
By echoing the low, sloped roofs of nearby farm buildings, École du Zénith feels familiar to students, creating a welcoming and comforting environment. The school is not just a building; it is an active participant in the educational journey, where architecture and nature collaborate to enrich the learning experience.
Conclusion
École du Zénith by Pelletier de Fontenay sets a new standard for school architecture in Quebec, offering a thoughtful, sustainable, and community-driven space that enhances the connection between students and their environment. The project is a testament to how architecture can shape not just buildings, but the experiences and learning that take place within them.
