Acton Ostry Architects

York House Senior School acts as a symbolic gateway to the greater York House campus through a soaring glazed entry portal and skylit circulation crossroads that connects various wings of the existing school. The atrium opens up and interconnects the interior environment at all levels, offering intriguing angles and dynamic views of students circulating in myriad directions. Vivid vertical sunshades create a striking street front presence. Interior finish materials are a spare palette of textured concrete, wood, glass, and stone. Glass-lined circulation routes are embellished with the names of alumna and historic influential women to serve as inspiration for those that follow to work tirelessly for the greater good and create history in their own right.

project

York House Senior School

location

Vancouver, BC

client

York House School

completion

2013, 2020

size

3,350 m2

campus gateway.

campus gateway

sustainability

LEED Gold equivalent


awards & recognition

2016
Lieutenant Governor of BC Award
Architizer A+Awards Special Mention
World Architecture News Awards Long List

2015
Canadian Interiors Best of Canada Award

2014
City of Vancouver Urban Design Award

entry crossroads.

entry crossroads

The new Senior School building unites the York House campus, linking the Senior and Junior Schools, as well as creating flexible learning spaces to foster creativity and collaboration for York House students.

York House Senior School

mid-level crossing.

mid-level crossing

circulation crossroads.

circulation crossroads

informal learning.

informal learning

social lockers.

social lockers

skylit atrium.

skylit atrium

inspirational women and alumni commemoration.

inspirational women and alumni commemoration

classroom.

classroom

STEAM lab entrance.

STEAM lab entrance

STEAM lab maker space.

STEAM lab maker space

STEAM lab exterior.

STEAM lab exterior

campus portal at quadrangle.

campus portal at quadrangle

sunshade detail.

sunshade detail

The overall effect suggests boldness and optimism—a design sensibility that encourages a sense of self-confidence in students. Indeed, it’s as if the building itself exudes self-esteem.

Canadian Architect