A feasibility study dating back to 2009 on the expansion and renovation of the Savosa Municipal Schools decreed the retention of the 1967 classroom wing, which is still a good example of quality school architecture, the demolition of the 1951 wing and the construction of an underground gymnasium. On the basis of these considerations, a design competition was announced for a new gymnasium and multipurpose room. In order to allow for internal classroom moves and thus avoid costly temporaries, it was decided to carry out a renovation of the building before the 1951 wing was demolished. The work was carried out by our firm over a 12-month period starting in November 2010. The characteristic fair-faced concrete façade was kept intact; interior insulation work and replacement of windows and doors made it possible to achieve the 2008 RUEn standard. The Minergie standard would be achieved with the implementation of the extension project. The entire construction site was carried out by keeping two out of three floors in operation. All special activities were concentrated on the lower level in place of the multipurpose room so as to free up a classroom. The service cores on the middle and upper floors were entirely rebuilt. Following the political decision to postpone the implementation of the competition-winning project, Stage 2 was proceeded with: the maintenance of the parts where demolition was planned and the outdoor areas.
