Barrie, Ontario

Shore Tilbe Henschel Irwin Peters

Nestled within a reforested site on the north side of King's Highway No. 26, just west of Bayfield Road, this 7,745 m2 (83,360 sf) building serves as the administrative center for the Simcoe County School Board.

Born out of Southern Ontario's regional heritage the center's design speaks to its rural setting in terms of both scale and vocabulary. Respecting the neighboring historic village-come- museum, the building mass is articulated by means of variations in volume, form, and material. Selected program functions are grouped within five two-story masonry pavilions. These volumes penetrate the two-story high main building component which, in contrast to the pavilions, is characterized by its glass box skin.

Each pavilion is capped with a distinct metal roof form which serves to identify the masonry structure as a member of a village of pavilions. These roofs evoke images of the rural architectural vernacular found on farmhouses, barns and silos.

Internally, three of the five pavilions are linked by a mezzanine catwalk which overlooks the two-story high lounge and display area. Skylights and tree planters provide a link to the natural surroundings.

The boardroom contained inside the circular pavilion offers glimpses to the forest by means of slender, vertical windows which frame the tail pine trees immediately outside. A ring of punched windows provides daylight, and a spectators view from the mezzanine catwalk above.