Barriere Lake elementary School

The Algonquins of Barriere Lake make up a community in the present-day reserve of Rapid Lake, on the shores of Cabonga Reservoir in the middle of La Vérendrye wildlife reserve. The site chosen for the new school is crowned with majestic white pines and stands high over the shoreline, at the foot of a significant drop. The circular concept developed for the new school won over the hearts of community residents.

The textured façade, graced with plenty of windows, surrounds the building’s convex mass. On the schoolyard side, the entirely glazed façade offers building occupants direct contact with nature. The centre point, from which radiating spokes give the building its form, is marked by an immense teepee in the middle of the schoolyard.