Bedford, Nova Scotia – a district of Halifax – has seen exponential growth due to its waterfront views and historic charm. It was recorded that the population of Halifax grew nearly 10% in just five years – a significant leap.

As the Bedford community continues to grow, so does the need for larger schools in the area to accommodate the rising population.

Architecture49 was tasked with designing Nova Scotia’s largest public school, West Bedford School. 

According to Architecture 49, West Bedford School “features a design that combines a PP-8 and a 9-12 school in a single building. These schools share central facilities, including mechanical and electrical systems, two adjacent gymnasiums, and a larger cafetorium for community and school events.”

In order to achieve a kid-friendly, yet modern aesthetic, insulated metal panels (IMPs) were selected as the building envelope. IMPs offer excellent design flexibility.

Architecture49 used 50,300 square feet of Kingspan IMPs, installed by Clad-Tech, including Kingspan KS Mini Micro-Rib panels in the colors Ascot White and Charcoal. Kingspan Accent Fins were also used with Sherwin-Williams Fluropon coatings in the colors Inch Worm, Eccentric Lime, Mahle Blue, June Blue, Goldwood, Bright Idea, Teal Blue, and Monterrey Blue. 

Kingspan’s KS Series insulated metal wall panels provide unique aesthetics through a wide range of profiles while delivering high thermal performance. Adjustable module widths can integrate for distinct architectural flair. KS Series panels can be customized with trimless ends and pre-formed corners to provide a clean, finished appearance.

Kingspan’s Accent Fin is a cladding accessory and component that gives the building design a finishing touch and helps it stand out from the crowd. Kingspan's Accent Fin products are designed to be compatible with Kingspan’s KS Series IMP range, fitting perfectly in the joinery between panels. 

The pops of blue, green, purple and yellow along the exterior of the building keep the design of the school playful while maintaining a sleek profile. IMPs also allow for design flexibility, especially in a school that is accommodating grades pre-primary through grade 12. 

According to Architecture 49, “Separate wings for different grade groups connect at the shared cafetorium, allowing each school to retain its distinct identity with separate entrances and the option to isolate from shared areas. Separate wings for different grades connect at the shared cafeteria, allowing each school to retain its distinct identity with separate entrances and the option to isolate from shared areas.” 

IMPs also offer excellent thermal efficiency capabilities, making it an exemplary material for the building envelope of West Bedford School. Earlier this year, it was recorded that Nova Scotia experienced five feet of snow after a historic nor’easter hit the region. Just days after this storm, Nova Scotia received an additional 15 inches of snow.

Featuring a full air and water barrier and a core of continuous, rigid insulation, IMPs offer an advantage in thermal efficiency over many traditional wall assembly materials for the same wall thickness. The built-in insulation in the metal panels creates an excellent barrier against heat transfer, helping the school reduce energy costs while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment for students during the harsh winter months.