Learning Environments
Maples Collegiate
Seven Oakes School Division
Maples Collegiate
This significant addition and renovation to the high school merged two existing school facilities through the design of a shared commons space. The goal of the project was to connect two separate school facilities in both a physical and social sense, while drawing inspiration from the natural calmness and tranquility of a birch-wood forest.
The addition was conceived as a transparent cube with a deep sheltering roof that sits within a grouping of trees. Irregularly spaced and angled columns were inspired by the randomness of a forest. The windows and coloured glass create a visual connection between the exterior soft landscape and interior of the commons.


The interior design re-enforces the forest theme, with a bright yet natural colour palette and intricate patterning inspired from the randomness of nature. The angled columns were reflected in the interior design, using patterns and circles that create a stimulating and fun environment for the students and community. The shadows created from the way natural light is drawn into the space interact with the patterning on the floor, adding energy and a unique character to the room.
The shadows created from the way natural light is drawn into the space interact with the patterning on the floor, adding energy and a unique character to the room.

