October 09, 2024 (Taloyoak, Nunavut) – Construction crews have raced against Canada's shortest construction window to hit a major milestone at the new Taloyoak High School in Nunavut. The main building’s superstructure and mechanical and electrical plant building have been completed.

The next challenge at mainland Canada’s northernmost school is to enclose buildings before winter hits.

“Over the coming months, the main building’s structural elements, including a glulam (glued-laminated) wood roof for the student commons and cultural space, will need to be completed,” says Justin LeClair, Senior Associate at Parkin Architects and design lead on the Taloyoak project.

The site sits past the 69th parallel, about 270 kms north of the Arctic Circle. Day time average highs in Taloyoak are a balmy -7℃ in October, dropping to -19℃ in November.

“So teams will already be working in freezing temperatures to seal the buildings so they can continue working indoors when the Arctic cold hits and winter settles in,” he adds.

One-third of all the construction materials needed for the project was delivered in just one month during August.

Taloyoak High School will also serve as a daycare and community centre for surrounding residents. The new High School will help alleviate the pressure on the current Netsilik School, which is nearly 50 years old. 

Architects engaged with the Indigenous community to learn how to best design the school to suit needs.

“In Inuktitut, ‘Taloyoak’ means ‘Large Blind,’ referring to stone caribou blind or screen used for hunting, so we incorporated the concept in the school to celebrate their culture,” adds LeClair.

Direct visual connections to the exterior and land beyond further enhances users’ experience at the school and highlights the importance of culture not just within the but outside back to the land.

The new Taloyoak High School is expected to be completed and open to students in the summer of 2026. The general contractor on the project is Pilitak Enterprises Ltd.

About Parkin Architects:

Parkin is an employee-owned, award-winning, architectural practice with a proven track record in practical, innovative and cost-effective design. Over the course of our 80-year history, we have designed some of Canada’s most notable buildings, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural landscape. 

To learn more, visit https://www.parkin.ca/