Nestled between quiet neighbourhoods and a busy Dieppe roadway, the renewed École Sainte-Thérèse offers a thoughtful blend of memory and forward-looking design. This project was not a full replacement, but a significant renovation and expansion carried out in carefully orchestrated phases. By preserving the existing kitchen and cafetorium, the design team maintained a tangible link to the original school, allowing the rhythm of daily learning to continue uninterrupted during construction.
The reimagined school now unfolds around a bright, central corridor that serves as both a spine and a gathering place, connecting new learning environments with familiar spaces. Daylight filters deep into the interior, animating a generous gymnasium through overhead skylights and bringing warmth into classrooms, music studio, and resource centre—all designed to support both academic and community functions. The school is organized with safety and flow in mind: distinct circulation zones for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and cars weave together smoothly across the site.
Achieving LEED Silver certification, the building reflects a clear commitment to sustainable education spaces. A high-performance envelope, carefully placed glazing, and sunshading elements reduce energy demand while maximizing daylight and comfort. Even in New Brunswick’s colder months, views to the outdoors remain open and inviting, supporting student well-being through a consistent visual connection to nature.
In this renewed École Sainte-Thérèse, design becomes a quiet partner in the life of the school—respecting its past, responding to its present, and creating space for a resilient and joyful future.
