The Canadian Language Learning College
is a National English Language Institute offering instruction to
international students and recent immigrants. Focused on providing a
modern approach to learning and fostering a unique introduction to
Canadian culture, the directors sought C& Partners to renovate an
existing two storey brown brick office building at Avenue Road and
Lawrence Avenue into a three storey flagship building for their Toronto
operations.
Taking an adaptive reuse approach to the
project and in keeping with the limited budget constraints, C&
Partners' strategy was to use new materials in a way that reframed the
existing brick façade and openings through a series of layered effects.
Layering LED light strips behind perforated metals and adding a red
soffit on the third storey addition, creates a dynamic façade and
building entry. By limiting the number of formal gestures and surgically
revealing the existing brick façade the intent was to reflect the
diversity of histories and layered cultural composition of the students
and staff at the CLLC while also celebrating a dynamic and modern
approach to teaching and learning in the vibrant city of Toronto.