Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie

+ 2024 – David Boyer

Montréal (Québec), Canada
2021 – 2024

pensionnat-du-saint-nom-de-marie-03 — + 2024 – David Boyer

pensionnat-du-saint-nom-de-marie-04 — + 2024 – David Boyer

pensionnat-du-saint-nom-de-marie-01 — + 2024 – David Boyer

pensionnat-du-saint-nom-de-marie-05 — + 2024 – David Boyer

pensionnat-du-saint-nom-de-marie-06 — + 2024 – David Boyer

pensionnat-du-saint-nom-de-marie-08 — + Plan – CCxA

pensionnat-du-saint-nom-de-marie-13 — + Section – CCxA

Description

Founded in 1905, the Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM) is a private secondary school for girls, located in the Montreal borough of Outremont on the north slope of Mount Royal. The school building is perched on the high ground of the site and maintains a strong relationship with the surrounding natural landscape. This school expansion project led to the creation of the Pavillon Femmes de la famille Coutu, an extension to the original historical building of the campus.

Designed for continuity with the existing landscape and context, The landscape design for the new wing strengthens the connection between the architecture and the site, as well as between interior and exterior spaces through the use of grassy slopes and walkways that highlight natural topography. The forecourt of the expansion, composed of concrete cobbles that reference the limestone of the original building, stretches the interior amphitheater into the adjacent woods via a succession of grassy plateaus integrated with long steps and three terraced platforms. Where the new wing meets the old building, this forecourt transitions into broad steps that make up the pedestrian passage to the nearby metro station.

Mature trees are boosted by the addition of new specimens, articulating significant features in the landscape of the site. A high canopy is maintained that allows light to reach the vegetation below, keeping view lines open across the entire site. The grassy space under the trees becomes outdoor classroom, recreation ground, as well as a space for contemplation.

Specifications

Client: Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie
Area: 5 591 m²
Year: 2021 — 2024
Status: Built
Address
Categories: Institutional — Heritage
Collaboration: Yelle Maillé (Architecture)
Marchand Houle (Civil Engineering)

Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie

Also see

Carré Notre-Dame-des-Victoires

The McGill Sustainability Park