Delia K-12 Replacement School

Iwanski Architecture designed a LEED Gold K-12 School with a large gym and public library for the rural community of Delia, Alberta.
Exterior finishes are a combination of brick, glass and metal panels of various widths, angles, and colors. Charcoal grey is accented with yellow and blue metal strips. The colour scheme is derived from the surrounding landscape of the Handhills, farmland, and existing grain elevator that represents the community’s original economic heartbeat. The single storey classroom block is clad with charcoal coloured brick, anchoring the remaining school with its taller shapes and vertical metal panel installation. The materiality of brick strengthens the school’s identity as it embodies a sense of permanence and timelessness, suggesting a commitment to long-term investment in education and the community.
The brick chosen is complementary in proportion, coursing, and colour to the other selected materials of the school’s exterior and its setting. The monochromatic installation allows for a calm consistency. Due to the textural variations of the velour finish, the natural light reflects off the material in surprising ways throughout the day.
The brick, grout and masonry ties contributed to the life-cycle environmental impact and include pre- and post-consumer recycled content. Brick tells the story of strength, tradition and craftsmanship that is a result of learning and experience which in turn directly relates to the long-standing farming community.