The new 7-12 Edwin Parr Composite School is constructed adjacent to the Athabasca Multiplex and across University Avenue from Athabasca University in Athabasca, Alberta.
The construction budget includes the provision of four modular classrooms to the core school to accommodate a capacity of 900 students. An additional four modular classrooms can be added to the core school for a final capacity of 1000 students. The proposed new replacement school is to be built adjacent to the Athabasca Multiplex to take advantage of programmatic synergies. The junior and senior high students will have access to the Multiplex facilities which include a curling rink, hockey arena, field house and walking/running track, fitness centre and meeting rooms. In turn the community will have access to the school gymnasium after hours for community activities.
For the design of the Edwin Parr 7-12 Composite School, it was felt important that the design of the exterior elevations be simple, understated and follow an industrial aesthetic that both the Design Committee and consultant team wanted to express in both the interior spaces and exterior building facade. This proposed Edwin Parr 7-12 Composite School is to be constructed to meet or exceed the Alberta Infrastructure and the Aspen View School Division standards, including coordination with the Town of Athabasca and Alberta Education.
The choice of construction materials and building methods are also influenced by the requirements and standards set out by the LEED™ rating system and Alberta Infrastructure’s Technical Design Requirements (April 2014). This school has been designed to achieve a minimum of a LEED™ Silver certification level.
Project design includes exposed systems, exposed heavy timber roof (should be entered in for wood awards), unique design of learning pods and central street for 21 century learning practices and self-guided learning. Solar design one of the largest in Alberta/Western Canada for a high school facility.
