Ancienne-Lorette High School

Opened in 1969, Ancienne-Lorette High School is characterized by bold massing, smooth white surfaces, and narrow horizontal window bands that provide limited views to the exterior. Rather than erasing these qualities, the project reinterprets them. A highly glazed base creates a sense of openness between the ground plane and the main volume while connecting shared spaces to the site. Above, a white metal envelope appears to float, partially wrapped in a delicate perforated steel skin that echoes the horizontal rhythm of the original composition. This second skin filters light and views, controls solar heat gain, conceals selected mechanical elements, and adds depth to the façades while preserving the school’s modern architectural identity.

Carried out in five successive phases while the school remained fully operational, the transformation addresses both the building envelope and the interiors, including the auditorium, special education areas, and entrance hall. Increased glazing significantly improves access to natural light and restores a connection with the surrounding landscape, while the new envelope enhances energy performance and occupant comfort. The project extends the building’s useful life by improving its performance and supporting evolving uses, while also transforming the everyday experience of the school—an intervention that recognizes the qualities of its modern architecture while adapting it to contemporary expectations.