Des Sentiers School
Des Sentiers School
2024
Educational
gbi provided the mechanical and electrical engineering design for the new École primaire des Sentiers in Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, commissioned by the Centre de services scolaire des Samares.
Covering approximately 4,000 m², the school offers a modern, comfortable, and energy-efficient learning environment designed to meet the needs of students, staff, and the broader school community.
The facility includes approximately twelve classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, a multipurpose room with a commercial kitchen, a double gymnasium, and a rooftop terrace. From the earliest stages of design, energy efficiency and occupant comfort were key priorities that guided every engineering decision.
An Energy-Efficient School Designed for Performance
To optimize the building’s performance, gbi conducted an energy efficiency study supported by detailed energy simulations to identify the most effective design solutions.
The school features a fully air-source heat pump–based HVAC system operating in a controlled indoor environment, helping to reduce energy consumption while maintaining excellent indoor comfort.
The building also incorporates a glazed solar wall to preheat outdoor ventilation air, as well as a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system that minimizes energy consumption while providing flexible and efficient climate control.
reduction in energy consumption compared with NECB 2015
tons of CO₂ emissions reduced annually compared with the 2013–2020 Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP 2013–2020)
tons of CO₂ emissions reduced annually compared with NECB 2015
Mechanical Systems Designed for Occupant Comfort
Each classroom is equipped with dedicated fan coil units and decentralized energy recovery units to provide fresh air and ensure optimal comfort for students and staff.
Electric duct heating coils installed at the end of the distribution system provide supplemental heating and system redundancy, ensuring reliable operation throughout the year.
Through its expertise in mechanical and electrical building engineering, gbi designs high-performance, sustainable educational facilities that meet today’s evolving needs. The École primaire des Sentiers project reflects our commitment to creating learning environments that promote occupant well-being while reducing the building’s environmental footprint.
