Location: Dundas, ON
Client: Dundas Valley School Of Art
Year of Completion: 2012
Final Construction Cost: $3,800,000
Architect of Record: Invizij Architects Inc
The Dundas Valley School of Art is an independent, not-for-profit school, serving the greater Hamilton region since 1967. The school is a leader in the cultural development of the region and plays a vital role in the art education of the community. Located in the village of Dundas, the original building, dated 1836, was formerly known as Canada Screw Works. This building, along with a 1941 addition, was in need of a complete renovation to bring the facility up to meeting energy, fire code, and accessibility standards, and to give a new face and functionality to this important anchor for artists and art students.
Inside the 2,253 sq m renovated building are studio space for ceramics, drawing, jewelry, painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture, an extensive library, a community art gallery, café, and a large loft space suitable for events and performances. In addition, the building has a new elevator, a dramatic new entrance, roof, air conditioning and heating system, and all new doors and windows which complement the historic neo-Georgian nature of the building. The intention in the renovations was to completely upgrade the art school facility, while at the same time respecting the existing premises in material, texture, and finish.