H.S. Grenda Middle School accommodates 600 students for the District of Lake Country. The modern three-storey middle school consists of open Learning Studios complete with overhead operational doors which connect to adjacent outside spaces creating a multi-user learning studio.

The school has been strategically positioned on the site to capture the most natural daylight while keeping the front facade as a key feature to the facility. An outdoor amphitheater extends the learning space while complementing the surroundings.

Embracing 21st Century learning principles, the three-storey school incorporates “pods” organized in communities to provide a more intimate learning experience for students. Adaptable classrooms with operable partitions turn into auditoriums; auditoriums combined with Maker spaces (collaborative workspaces) create arenas; arenas turn into “Learning Pods” configured to integrate a mix of learning disciplines within each grouping. Direct access to exterior spaces give students the option to have their classes inside and then walk outside, straight from their pods, to benefit from outdoor learning and connect directly with the attractive riparian area that fosters a connection to nature.

The building includes a learning commons space with cast-in-place stairs and acoustic wood ceilings – as well as a servery, full gymnasium, music room, drama space and home economics rooms. The school facility is sustainable, heated and cooled using a geo-exchange system. Built on a former infill playing field, the structure’s footprint is minimized to optimize and complement the surrounding greenspace environment.