Eglinton/Spectrum Public School
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Teeple Architects & Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners

An Urban School Shelters a Protected Playground

© Tom Arban

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

Located at a major Toronto intersection, this new school is sited to provide a strong urban presence on the street side, while achieving a amply-sized, protected playground on the interior. The 20-classroom facility is enhanced by a large, double-height library built around a restored entry portal retained from the original 1909 school that was built on the property.

A 50-child daycare is situated on the ground floor, with direct access to its own play area, giving the facility a unique identity within the public spaces of the school. A deep overhang shades the large windows with southern exposure overlooking the playground.

There are two multi-height spaces organized around the primary circulation nodes that allow natural light into the center of the school. Large interior windows provide a visual link to the other floors and activities of the students.

Formal name of building:
Eglinton/Spectrum Public School

Location:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Gross square footage:
60,000 sq.ft.

Total construction cost:
$6.7 million

Owner:
Toronto District School Board