Southern Okanagan Secondary School
Oliver (SD#53), British Columbia

This complex phased project began as a two phase feasibility study, consisted of partial demolition, new addition (gymnasium related space, science superlab and classrooms, multi-purpose student commons space), retention of an existing gym, renovations of the existing Tech Ed Building, and renovation of the 1948 Art Deco wood frame main building and 600 seat community theatre. The South Wing was to be renovated for NLC (daycare, community counseling, adult learning centre). The completed school will accommodate 550 students.

Tragically, on September 12th 2011 the 1948 portion burnt entirely to the ground, leaving only the new addition, existing gym and Tech Ed Building. The architectural team assisted the School District in preparing a fast-tracked PDR in which three alternative development options were examined with comparative costing for replacement of the portions of the school that were lost to fire.

The project scope includes replacement of a 395 seat community theatre, and other Neighbourhoods of Learning components including a daycare, and community service offices.

Sustainable solutions implemented in the project include an advanced controls system, wind turbine, photo voltaic panels and geothermal.

Designed in association with Bevanda Architecture (CEI).