Acton Ostry Architects

Sir Sandford Fleming School & Child Care is an innovative partnership between the Vancouver School Board and the City of Vancouver developed in response to the replacement of the original 1912 school under the Ministry of Education Seismic Mitigation Program. The colourful, light-filled new school features state-of-the-art 21st-century learning environments on the first two floors with a child care centre and expansive outdoor imaginative play environment located above. Four distinct classroom block volumes and an outdoor courtyard are oriented to the east. To the west are large format spaces that include a multipurpose room and a gymnasium. An interconnected day-lit central circulation spine runs the length of the building. Bright orange columns mark indoor/outdoor access points. Outdoor play areas and a new playfield surround the school.

project

Sir Sandford Fleming School & Child Care

location

Vancouver, BC

client

Vancouver School Board, City of Vancouver

completion

2020

size

3,700 m2

main entrance.

main entrance

sustainability

LEED Gold certified

awards & recognition

Grands Prix du Design School & Preschool Education Silver Award

outdoor play and rooftop child care.

outdoor play and rooftop child care

Our colourful new school feels welcoming with ample natural light. It is a privilege to work in a school design that values the social nature of learning, as well as the need for individual spaces and a calming environment.

Sir Sandford Fleming School & Child Care

classroom blocks and courtyard.

classroom blocks and courtyard

courtyard.

courtyard

courtyard.

courtyard

classroom blocks.

classroom blocks

crevasse.

crevasse

feature stair overlook.

feature stair overlook

feature stair.

feature stair

multipurpose.

multipurpose

kindergarten commons.

kindergarten commons

learning commons.

learning commons

classroom commons.

classroom commons

classroom.

classroom

child care.

child care

child care outdoor play.

child care outdoor play

The library learning commons feels very inviting with its high ceilings, and the nook under the central stairwell entices students to cozy up and read. Each learning community has well-sized classrooms, with a wonderful shared common space. The classroom doors are brilliant.

Sir Sandford Fleming School & Child Care