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								The Greater Windsor Essex County School Board wished to take a fresh look at the methods and materials used in building a new school to better meet established budgets without sacrificing the quality of the learning spaces. This goal was reached through the flexible use of space, simplicity of floor layouts and the rethinking of the purpose of each wall.<br /><br />
School corridors take a lot of abuse but the majority of the walls were lined with lockers. It made sense to use less expensive gypsum partitions behind lockers with more durable concrete block surfaces being located around classroom entrances. Classroom walls are typically covered in white boards, tack boards or millwork and do not require resistance to impact that is required for other walls in the school setting.<br /><br />
The raised performance stage in the gymnasium was designed to double as part of the music room when not in use. This saved building area and provided the stage with a convenient “green” room for performances.<br /><br />
The corridors and the spaces they serve were designed to be simple for ease of construction and student orientation as they navigate through the school. Changes in roof levels were kept to a minimum in the interest of initial capital cost reduction as well as long term maintenance.

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								Construction costs were reduced enough below budget to fund additional project spaces for studies that would involve collaborative learning outside of the regular classroom setting.<br /><br />
The building is 33,000 sq.ft. on 2 storeys facing on to Campbell Avenue. The new school is to replace both Benson and Taylor schools. The latter building exists on the site which required locating the new school on the land available allowing the existing school building to continue to operate until the completion of the new school.<br /><br />
This new school was designed with 27 Classrooms, 2 project areas with provisions for second floor classroom expansion over the JK/SK on the first floor. Allowance was made for a future outdoor learning space among the existing mature trees on the site. The site work includes a soccer field, playground, car parking, kiss ‘n ride and on-site school bus bays.<br /><br />
 A Parent Family Literacy Centre was developed in a classroom-sized room. This multi-use space can be adapted to accommodate the school breakfast program. 
This school features an open concept Resource Centre which has been located across from the main entrance providing visitors with a spacious and positive first impression. Adjacent to this entrance is a display wall framed by cut stone to pay tribute to the rich histories of both Benson and Taylor Schools.
This new school is scheduled to be completed by June 2014.

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