W. Ross MacDonald School for the Blind

  • Client

    Infrastructure Ontario/Ontario Realty Corporation

  • Region

    Central Canada

  • Area Office

    Brantford

  • Year Completed

    2011

  • Size

    54,000 sq.ft.

The Story

A home for 74 of the school’s senior students, the three-storey, 54,000 square-foot building is uniquely designed to meet the specific needs of the students. Wayfinding and area recognition were key components in the creation of everything from the student common area to the administrative and support space. Aside from some academic functions along the main floor, the residences will be organized into groups of bedrooms within apartment units. Each group has its own central area and kitchen facilities – ideal space for socializing, cooking, or collaborating on school projects. Targeting LEED® Silver certification, the building also maximizes its use of natural light, with large vertical windows overlooking the courtyard flooding the common areas with warm sunlight. Set to be nestled in a previously landscaped open space, new trees will further enhance the outdoor space surrounding the residence once construction is complete.