The Ontario Construction Report – DECEMBER 2013 – PAGE OCR B5 New Hamilton Catholic elementary school unites three communities in state-of-the art building STAFF WRITER – The Ontario Construction Report Special Feature Hamilton’s new St. Ann Catholic Ele- mentary School will unite three distinct school communities in a state-of-the art building. Collaborative Structures Ltd. (CSL) is building the $9.6 million, 62,500 sq. ft. school designed by Sam Esposto Architect Inc. Following a school board trend, the new school will replace three existing schools, bringing the three formerly distinct communities together under one roof. Architect Sam Esposto says the new school has been repositioned on the site of the now-demolished original St. Ann school to make better use of available playground space and to bring the school closer to the main street, following the trend to connect schools with communities. The school is sited between two churches in a well-established neighbour- hood. “In designing the school we wanted to respect the history of the churches, one of which is more than 100 years old,” Es- posto said. “The school uses stone in simi- lar colours to this church but in a modern presentation so it doesn’t compete with the historic architecture.” The two-storey school has been de- signed for 450 students and will include 16 regular classrooms, two spacious kinder- garten classrooms designed beyond Min- istry of Education requirements, a library, as well as an elevator and accessibility ramp. “The school also features an over-sized 6,500 sq. ft gymnasium with bleachers, which the community will have access to,” We are proud to be part of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board’s St. Ann Elementary School Project. BLOCKWALL BLOCKWALL MASONRY LIMITED MASONRY LIMITED 2900 Langstaff Road, Unit #11, Concord, ON L4K 4R9 Phone: 905-669-0033 Fax: 905-669-1009 www.blockwall.ca Esposto said. “A kitchen off the gym will be used for a school breakfast program and will also be available for community use.” The school includes a unique room that Esposto says will be used for a Hamilton- Wentworth District Catholic School Board (HWDCSB) pilot program. “One class- room is set up like a lecture hall and is fully equipped for technology and wireless capa- bility. This will support a unique trial assis- tive technology program which will use ipads and other such devices to support the learning environment.” The school also incorporates a daycare with separate exterior access but full inte- rior integration, with its own kitchen and washroom facilities. Esposto says hydro and sewer services had to be upgraded to accommodate the new school and soil remediation was re- quired. Another site challenge involved choosing a configuration to take advantage of natural light. “The school is set in a T- shape with one wing running east to west and getting southern light. The other wing runs north to south so gets morning light.” Aluminum shades provide sun control and ensure a steady stream of diffused light. The school’s exterior features a large cross, illuminated by a back glow, which Esposto says reflects the school board’s Catholic roots and community values. “The exterior also uses a beautiful wood composite panel. Inside we had fun with the millwork and playful colourful accents to reflect and appeal to the student popula- tion,” he says. The school is scheduled to open in early 2014. Esposto said the project will be com- pleted using mostly local trades. Congratulations to the whole team working at the St. Ann Elementary School. 46 Kordun St., Hamilton ON L9B 2N2 Tel: 905-575-8458 1-800-365-1647 Fax: 905-575-8160 westwoodpainting@cogeco.net www.westwoodpainting.net High Quality Commercial, Industrial & Residential Painting