West Bedford PP-12 School
Architecture49
2023
West Bedford PP-12 School, the largest public school in Nova Scotia at 257,000 square feet, is a proud achievement of BMR in collaboration with our partners at Architecture49. Combining both PP-8 and 9-12 schools into one, modern facility provides an important educational hub for the community of West Bedford and the 2000 students and families that it serves. Each of the school wings share centralized facilities that include the mechanical and electrical systems, two adjacent gymnasiums, a large cafeteria space, performing arts spaces, and dedicated athletic spaces. The facility also includes collaborative spaces such as libraries, arts & music studios, laboratories, and technology spaces.
Built to meet LEED Silver standards, the building structure is impressive in its size and scope. The building foundations included large, reinforced concrete retaining walls integrated into the building design. Constructed of complex, structural steel frames separated by multiple expansion joints, the building superstructure required careful and detailed coordination with all design-build partners to ensure a successful outcome.
Key Points
- Largest public school project in Nova Scotia at over 257,000 square feet
- Long-span structural systems for open concept common spaces and gymnasiums
- Integrated reinforced concrete retaining walls to accommodate construction phasing