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Norma Rose Point School by Robin Brunet photo: Graham hoffart mathiasen architects A lthough education delivery meth- ods are constantly evolving, facility evolution rarely matches the pace. But in B.C. there are a few outstanding exceptions to the rule, and one of them is Norma Rose Point School adjacent to the University of British Columbia campus. Norma Rose, which was built on the former University Hill Secondary School site, is one component of the University Hill family of four schools, designed as a continuum of learning from pre-kin- dergarten to post-secondary education. The new facility, which has a capac- ity of 60 full-day kindergarten spaces, 650 Grade 1 to 7 student spaces, and 150 Grade 8 student spaces, is divided into two wings: one for kindergarten through Grade 5, the other for Grade 6 to 8. But what makes Norma Rose special both in design and intent is the fact that it eschews the traditional school model of corridors with classes on either side. "Instead, we have clus- ters of different sizes radiating from a centrally-located teacher's space," says Kelly Isford-Saxon, manager of planning at the Vancouver School Board ( VSB). Specifically, the new school gives physical form to the VSB's concept of 21st century learning, with the school organized into nine learning commu- nities arrayed around shared learning commons – the spaces are expandable thanks to easily-lifted glass "garage doors." These multi-grade student groupings encourage collaborative teaching and individualized project- based and experiential learning. The teaching spaces also extend outside through balconies and a ter- race on the second level for ecological study and experimentation. Extensive glazing throughout the facility also results in easier teacher/student super- vision. Augmenting this unusual design concept is furniture of different sizes, shapes and materials. Norma Rose also addresses the VSB and Graham Hoffart Mathiasen Archi- tects' desire to incorporate green fea- tures as a tool for students to learn about sustainability. Thus, the LEED Gold-targeted project includes passive design strategies such as solar shading and energy modelling. Isford-Saxon points out that initially Norma Rose was conceived as a tradi- tional learning centre: "But during our long gestation we rethought many of the facility's basic elements, and although the resulting design has a precedent in the U.S., we're proud to say we were one of the very first school districts to bring the concept to Western Canada." Detailed consultation, planning and design led by Graham Hoffart Mathi- asen and a VSB design committee took place between the summer of 2009 and the fall of 2011; community feed- back resulted in the decision to retain an iconic arched-ceiling gymnasium of the original University Hill school. "Ultimately the entire school, except for that particular portion, was demol- ished, and the gym underwent an exten- sive restoration," says Isford-Saxon. The renovation included restored finishes, bleachers and equipment, plus exterior sunshade glare control. The learning communities of Norma Rose each have their own identit y, expressed on the exterior by massing, and in the interior through colour and unique signposts. In addition to the existing gym, a new gym was designed acoustically as a multi-purpose perfor- mance space with theatrical lighting, a large projection screen, and blackout blinds for skylights and windows. Graham Hoffart Mathiasen devel- oped the library so that it extends through glazed garage doors into the light-filled learning commons; wood seating nooks and display cabinets are located between the concrete but- tresses of the existing gym. A "Learning Cube" engages students with a peek-a- boo loft above and a "campfire" story- telling pit below. Bold colours abound: a blue gather- ing stair and lookout is in close proxim- ity to the school commons, which serves as both school and community entrance; and a green portal and glass doors lead into the multi-purpose room. Although DGS Construction is well respected for bringing school projects to completion, site superintendent Dean Biggs notes that Norma Rose's unique design posed many challenges for his team and subtrades. "For start- ers, concrete columns with a suspended slab comprised the main f loor, with structural steel as well as structural wood for the frame," he says. "The roof was Glulam and CLT, which is always a challenge to keep dry on site in order to achieve a proper seal." DGS demolished a small portion of University Hill and began first phase construction in early 2011 with stu- dents still in attendance. "They were eventually moved to a new University Hill school built by PCL in December of 2012," says Biggs. He adds that no interior elements were exactly alike: "Every wall line was a little different and did not connect to the ceilings. Each area had different elevations, and a lot of trades were required for finish- ing the project on schedule." As for the gym renovation, Biggs remarks, "The four-by-six timbers for decking had a lot of water stains, so extensive sand blasting was required, followed by the installation of a new sprinkler system and suspended LED lighting." The LED lighting has proven to be so effective that it may be extended to other portions of the facility. As far as Isford-Saxon is concerned, the finished Norma Rose Point School exceeds all expectations. "It's gracious and open, and I can't say enough good things about the design and construc- tion teams," she says. "Complicated projects such as Norma Rose can often divide teams, but the architects and DGS never left our side. Together, they gave us a beautiful building that has already drawn the attention of school districts as far away as New Zealand." ■ Location 5488 Ortona Road, Vancouver, B.C. owner/DeveLoper Vancouver School Board architect Graham Hoffart Mathiasen Architects GeneraL contractor DGS Construction StructuraL conSuLtant Fast + Epp MechanicaL conSuLtant Rocky Point Engineering Ltd. eLectricaL conSuLtant Jarvis Engineering Consultants Ltd. LanDScape architect Jonathan Losee Ltd. civiL conSuLtant Aplin & Martin Consultants totaL Size 96,000 square feet totaL coSt $29 million october 2014 /77 Norma rose Point School 2:04 PM

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