Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1526133
74 | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4 Whistle Bend Elementary School P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M A R K K EL LY/CO U RT E S Y T H E GOV ER N M EN T O F Y U KO N better daylighting to several inter- nalized classrooms, a raised central corridor was added to bring addi- tional light into these critical spaces." The four colours that stand out against the stark exterior act as way- finding elements. "Four colours were selected to help identify the different learning neighbourhoods in the school and are mixed together in the central gathering space," Biersteker says. Another architectural touch using colour was dark felt panels for the cor- ridor ceiling augmented by tiny lights to resemble a northern night sky. "And just as we brought our school experience to the table, our part- ners in Whitehorse enabled us to refine some of our design ideas to fit within the northern environment." Gleb Krotkiy, project manager at Ketza Construction Corporation, says ground broke on the school in May of 2022. "The site was an empty lot with bad soil conditions, namely, sandy silt and blue clay. While plenty of fill had been speci- fied for our project, we as the design builders added another metre of rock for added structural security." While Krotkiy reports that steel erection went smoothly, "we had to abide by unorthodox scheduling due to the double-height central gathering space and its concrete feature staircase: everything up top in that area had to be finished first using a false floor; follow- ing that, we installed the stairs." As Whistle Bend Elementary School prepares for a fall open- ing, Curtis says, "This is a beautiful learning facility. We're extremely excited by it, as well as for the oppor- tunity facing students, many of whom have already toured the school and are eager to be part of it." A Partner with Canada's leading propane experts for reliable, cost-effective energy solutions. YOUR TRUSTED PROPANE SUPPLIER IN CANADA 867-668-7444 www.superiorpropane.com We are proud to have participated in the Whistle Bend Elementary School project. Superior Propane.indd 1 Superior Propane.indd 1 2024-08-19 11:46 AM 2024-08-19 11:46 AM General Contracting Construction Management Proud Construction Manager of the Coaldale Prairie Winds Secondary & Shift Community Recreation Centre 3604 18th Ave N - Lethbridge AB - 403-328-6698 www.wardbros.ca