As our client aptly puts it, "We’re not magicians." What we achieved in this project can—and should—be replicated across construction projects nationwide. Collaboration and the early involvement of all stakeholders during the design phase are vital to transforming any vision into a true success story.

The School of the Future, Built Today

In 2019, when Ugo Cavenaghi, President and CEO of Collège Sainte-Anne, presented his vision for a new high school on the grounds of the existing primary school in Dorval, it instantly captured our attention. His desire to think differently, step outside the box, and reimagine learning environments resonated deeply with us.

The goal? A creative and collaborative learning space unlike any other. Open classrooms, living walls, expansive two-story bleachers at the heart of the buildings, and an abundance of natural light were just a few features of this groundbreaking design. Conceptualized by Atelier Pierre Thibault and Architecture49, the project was not only innovative but also environmentally conscious, aiming to become one of Canada’s first carbon-neutral schools.

Collaboration: The Foundation of Success

What set this project apart was Mr. Cavenaghi’s decision to involve its general contractor from the very beginning. By engaging JCB Construction Canada early in the process, we were able to offer construction management services and bring our expertise to the table during the critical design and preparation phases.

This early collaboration allowed us to work closely with architects, engineers, and stakeholders to identify opportunities for cost and time savings before construction began. By leveraging our construction management expertise and implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM), we were able to detect and resolve potential conflicts between structural, mechanical, and electrical systems early in the process. This proactive approach minimized costly mid-project changes and streamlined the entire construction timeline.

From day one, collaboration was the driving force behind the project’s success. Our integrated approach ensured that all parties worked toward a shared vision, balancing budget, sustainability, and functionality without compromise.

Adapting to Challenges: A Fire That Changed Everything

As the high school’s design was being finalized, a devastating fire struck the historic primary school building in April 2020. The 19th-century structure, once home to North America’s first golf club, the Royal Montreal Golf Club, was severely damaged and contaminated with asbestos, making restoration impossible.

Rather than be discouraged, Collège Sainte-Anne doubled down on its ambitions. Not only would the high school project move forward, but the fire-damaged primary school would also be rebuilt, expanded, and renovated—all on the same campus.

This new mandate transformed the Dorval campus into a dual project: rebuilding the primary school and constructing the innovative new high school. Despite the expanded scope, the project maintained its ambitious sustainability goals and timeline.

Innovative Design for a Modern Learning Experience

Inspired by Europe’s most forward-thinking schools, the architectural team created a campus that fosters creativity and collaboration. The design features open classrooms, multi-use spaces, and expansive areas for gathering and learning. The gymnasium, library, cafeteria, and outdoor pavilions were all designed to maximize natural light and create an inspiring learning environment.

The buildings’ concrete structure was left exposed in many areas to emphasize modernity and durability. Cantilevered elements increased usable space while adding dramatic architectural features. Massive windows provided stunning views of the surrounding area and allowed natural light to flood the interiors, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Engineering Excellence: Innovations That Define the Future

This project is a testament to forward-thinking construction. Some key highlights include:

Collège Sainte-Anne’s Dorval campus has been recognized for its groundbreaking sustainability efforts, earning a Canada Green Building Council's (CaGBC) Carbon Neutral Building Standard - Design certification, alongside the Green Building Award of Excellence in June 2023. The project is a prime example of how energy-efficient measures can be seamlessly integrated into modern architecture, creating a high-performance, carbon-neutral facility.

The design of the campus includes an extensive range of energy-saving technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact. The building’s high-performance envelope ensures minimal heat loss and improved insulation, while aerothermal heat pumps provide efficient heat production with lower carbon emissions. The integration of photovoltaic collectors, covering 25% of the building's roof, contributes to the campus’s energy generation, making it a true example of sustainable construction. In addition, the triple-glazed windows help optimize insulation and reduce the need for heating and cooling. The project also utilizes heat recovery systems through thermal wheels to recycle air, and displacement air distribution to enhance air quality and energy efficiency.

The campus’s heating and cooling system features radiant floors, which deliver consistent and quiet temperature control, ensuring occupant comfort without the noise and energy waste of traditional HVAC systems.

The project successfully achieved the following energy efficiency and sustainability goals:

• 42.3% reduction in energy consumption compared to a typical building
• Thermal reduction demand of 32.6 kWh/m²/year, below the 34 kWh/m²/year threshold required for carbon-neutral certification
• 370 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions saved compared to a standard building
• Complete CO2 offset for building operations, with all energy needs met using hydroelectric power

Since its inauguration, the Dorval campus has garnered widespread acclaim, including:

• 2024 - Architecture MasterPrize (International Architecture Category)
• 2023 - Canada Green Building Council "Zero Carbon Design Award"
• 2023 - Gold Certification at the 16th Grands Prix du Design (Public Building Category)
• 2023 - FEEP Innovation in Education Award for its pioneering learning environmentBuilding for the FutureJCB Construction Canada is proud to have played a role in this visionary project, which sets a new benchmark for sustainable, innovative, and student-centered design.

JCB Construction Canada is immensely proud to have played a key role in the undeniable success of this new facility, which is poised for significant growth in student enrollment in the coming years. Above all, we take great pride in knowing that both students and faculty members will thrive in a healthy, sustainable environment that not only meets their immediate needs but also inspires and supports their future aspirations.