Quw’utsun Smuneem Elementary School - Cowichan Tribes
Green design strategies take a simple path
A mix of materials, glulam and steel framing, western red cedar siding, and steel decking, offer visual contrast and define the formal entry near the administration offices
by Roberto Pacheco .The 1,335 sq. m Quw’utsun Smuneem Elementary School of the represented an opportunity to create an uplifting building of cultural relevance while meeting the educational goals of the community.
Design Approach
Traditionally the Cowichan Tribes used weirs to harvest salmon returning to spawning grounds on the Cowichan River. Fence-like structures made of rows of wooden stakes that have lattice work woven in-between them, weirs were constructed in estuaries, streams, and shallow rivers. On large rivers, such as the Cowhichan River, building a weir required the co-operation of an entire village. It was the success of the weirs that allowed the Cowichan cultures to thrive and prosper.
The new Elementary School for the Cowichan Tribes references the weir, abstracting this relevant artifact into a key structural and highly visual organizer for the new building.
The ‘Cultural Weir’ anchors and orders all the components of the building both in plan and section, and defines the main circulation route along the entire length of the school both inside and out.
Articulated with an uninterrupted light well, and thus, generously bathed in natural light, the weir wall is a venue for rotating exhibitions dealing with cultural, historical and current school and community events. The weir acts as a structural and ordering element, as well as a marker and promoter of culture.
The proportions of the site suggested a north-south linear organization with a double loaded circulation spine. Classrooms are located on both sides of the building. Each kindergarten classroom has direct access to the outside.
The first point of arrival is through the covered play area, the informal gate to the classrooms and the playground. A formal main entrance leads directly to the administration and to the more community oriented areas such as the library, computer rooms, and multi-purpose room.
Environmental Design Strategies
Classrooms have east and west orientations with generous overhangs that provide solar protection and covered exterior access. The main roofs are low and gently sloped to provide an appropriate scale to the children.
Most interior spaces are vaulted and articulated with glulam beams and painted gypsum board or exposed metal deck ceilings. HVAC systems are fed through a crawl space. Natural light is encouraged through generous windows on the perimeter walls and continuous skylight along the weir wall.
Careful building placement means that site disturbances were limited to the driveway, parking areas, footprint of the building, and forecourt/ playground area. A natural water retention pond between the driveway and the adjacent residential subdivision serves also as a learning tool - the Cowichan Bog. Indigenous plants and grasses have been planted throughout the site.
Framing lumber was locally grown; most other materials were regionally supplied.
A geothermal heat recovery system reduces the consumption of heating fuel in the winter months and provides free cooling in the summer. Decentralized heat pumps are strategically distributed in the crawl space to minimize duct work and energy losses, and maximize zoning temperature controls.
Day lighting in conjunction with energy efficient lighting fixtures and controls are used throughout the school.
Low flow/dual flush fixtures and appliances are used in all washrooms and kitchens. Rain water is directed away from the building to percolate through the ground surface and find its own way to the nearby bog.
Says school principal Maryann Thorne, “Our school gives us a strong sense of community and belonging. Many community members have come to the school and feel comfortable and welcome here. The weir wall serves not only as a cultural tie to the past, but also provides structural stability to the school. You could say it reflects the ways in which we want education to serve our children and our community.”
Credits
- ARCHITECT: David Nairne + Associates, North Vancouver - Roberto Pacheco, Mark Blackwood, Jeff Gravistin, Dave McIntyre, Ralph Sonen
- STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: David Nairne + Associates, North Vancouver - Andrew Grey
- CIVIL ENGINEER: David Nairne + Associates, North Vancouver - Bruce Daykin
- MECHANICAL ENGINEER : Versacon Consultants, North Vancouver - Howard Rice-Jones, Tom Popovich, Designer
- ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: R.A. Duff & Associates, Burnaby - Andrew Tashiro
- PROJECT MANAGER: David Nairne + Associates, North Vancouver -Andy Mill
- CONSTRUCTION MANAGER : Unitech Construction Management, Delta - Rick Boates, Lance van Drunick, Ross Ruthven
- PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Fiegehen, Vancouver
Materials
- Structure and envelope: SBS roofing membrane, rigid insulation, steel decking, glulam beams, conventional wood framed walls
- Interior: painted dry wall, acoustical wall panels, veneered plywood panels, cedar, linoleum
- Exterior: cedar siding, aluminum windows, steel doors and frames