École Saint-Léon-de-Westmount

Urban densification, together with dated school facilities and contaminated soils, necessitated a significant renovation of this neighbourhood school and grounds. A new wing occupying a third of the former playground required a landscape strategy to maximize use of the remaining space. Stimulating and varied play areas for elementary school students were created, while Low Impact Development (LID) strategies were integrated. These include a large rain garden and strategically placed canopy trees to provide passive cooling and windbreaks for the schoolyard and surrounding southwest-facing classrooms.

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The site design organizes the schoolyard into distinct zones for sports, active play, and quiet play. A diagonal is created to clarify access and circulation to the new student entrance nestled in the corner between the new and existing building wings. Along this axis, mounds with rubber play surfacing provide opportunities to climb and gentle barriers for stray balls. Accessed directly from a multipurpose room, a sunken courtyard with bleachers allows for classes and activities to spill between inside and out fluidly. A playfully painted ground plane derives colours from the breathtaking palette of the Canadian Group of Seven paintings.

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The project also includes a green roof and terrace on top of the new school wing, where a perimeter of raised plant beds invites children to experiment, as well as a native wildflower garden for attracting pollinators and migrating butterflies. Overall, the outdoor areas create a low-maintenance yet memorable environment that promotes learning and enjoyment for all ages. It has become a valuable amenity for the entire neighbouring community.

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Team:

Sophie Robitaille  Partner, CSLA,  ASLA, AAPQ

Simon Gafner

Anne Charbit  Architect, OAQ

Chieu-Anh Le van

Samuel Lavoie

Nathan Vieira

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Contractor: Paramount

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Architecture:  Marosi Troy Architectes

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Client:  Centre des Services Scolaires de Montréal (CSSDM)

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Photography © Raphael Thibodeau