W. Ross Macdonald School – Residence for Blind and Deaf-Blind Students

The W. Ross Macdonald School Senior Student Residence in Brantford, Ontario is an award-winning residence specifically designed to meet the needs of students who are visually impaired, blind and deaf blind.

The 76-student residence is for senior students who will live in self-contained apartment style units of 6 and 8 students.  The residence is linked directly to the school, providing an all-weather internal, accessible connection for students.

The ground floor includes two short stay apartments that will be used for visiting students and amenities including training classrooms, café, activity, music, study, computer and lounge areas. The second and third floor levels will house full time students in four residential POD’s per level and amenities for these residents.

The building has been LEED Certified and features sustainable building systems such as geo-thermal energy for heating and cooling, reduced water consumption utilizing collection, storage and use of rain water for grey water plumbing systems, energy efficient lighting and natural daylighting strategies. The open space of the three storey atrium allows for natural light to filtrate deep into the building and also acts as a wayfinding mechanism that utilizes sound to guide visually impaired students throughout the building.

Ross Macdonald School property is designated as a Heritage Place and the new residence ensures that the heritage attributes and character-defining elements of the campus are preserved.

This LEED Certified project won the 2016 Ontario Concrete Sustainable Design Award.

Location: Brantford, ON

Project Type: School Residence

Building Size: 61,602 sq ft