Bassano and Duchess High School Modernizations
Bassano and Duchess, Alberta

The modernization of the Duchess and Bassano High Schools for the Grasslands School District was achieved by renovating existing facilities and adding approximately 715 m² of new area, resulting in modernization of major portions of the existing buildings. The infill of the courtyard with required instructional and non-instructional space will provide a central hub to the school which would otherwise be characterized as having a long corridor system with no clear central organization. Through the reorganization of programmed spaces many of the corridors in the school were eliminated, thereby increasing spatial efficiency. The addition of a second floor over the old gymnasium was an efficient means of achieving additional instructional space within the existing schools. Modernization also included provision of barrier free access to the student and staff washrooms, plus power assist doors at the main school entrance. Fire protection of the enlarged school was incorporated utilizing a fire alarm and sprinkler system, to improve safety for the students and staff. .