Acton Ostry Architects

York House Senior School acts as a symbolic gateway to the greater York House campus through a soaring glazed entry portal and skylit circulation crossroads that connects various wings of the existing school. The atrium opens up and interconnects the interior environment at all levels, offering intriguing angles and dynamic views of students circulating in myriad directions. Vivid vertical sunshades create a striking street front presence. Interior finish materials are a spare palette of textured concrete, wood, glass, and stone. Glass-lined circulation routes are embellished with the names of alumna and historic influential women to serve as inspiration for those that follow to work tirelessly for the greater good and create history in their own right.

project

York House Senior School

location

Vancouver, BC

client

York House School

completion

2013, 2020

size

3,350 m2

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campus gateway

sustainability

LEED Gold equivalent


awards & recognition

2016
Lieutenant Governor of BC Award
Architizer A+Awards Special Mention
World Architecture News Awards Long List

2015
Canadian Interiors Best of Canada Award

2014
City of Vancouver Urban Design Award

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entry crossroads

The new Senior School building unites the York House campus, linking the Senior and Junior Schools, as well as creating flexible learning spaces to foster creativity and collaboration for York House students.

York House Senior School

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mid-level crossing

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circulation crossroads

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informal learning

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social lockers

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skylit atrium

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inspirational women and alumni commemoration

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classroom

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STEAM lab entrance

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STEAM lab maker space

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STEAM lab exterior

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campus portal at quadrangle

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sunshade detail

The overall effect suggests boldness and optimism—a design sensibility that encourages a sense of self-confidence in students. Indeed, it’s as if the building itself exudes self-esteem.

Canadian Architect