Lab-École Gatineau
Gatineau – 2025
Lab-École: reimagining education for tomorrow
The Lab-École is a groundbreaking initiative transforming the traditional approach to education in Quebec. This unique collaborative effort brings together experts from various fields to design schools that promote academic success and student well-being through three core pillars: a reimagined physical environment, a physically active lifestyle, and healthy eating.
The Lab-École’s goal extends far beyond merely constructing school buildings. It aims to create innovative learning spaces that spark creativity, encourage physical activity, and foster healthy eating habits, preparing students to become fulfilled and engaged citizens.
A Promising project at Pierre Elliott Trudeau school
Our team had the privilege of contributing to this vision by participating in the design of the kitchen at the Lab-École in Gatineau. Located at the English-language elementary school Pierre Elliott Trudeau, this project was the final Lab-École to be designed and delivered, benefiting from the expertise gained from previous projects.
Commissioned by Boless Construction of Gatineau through a call for tenders, we worked closely with specialized consultants Bernard & Associates Consultants / Foodservice Designers to create a functional space perfectly tailored to the school’s specific educational needs.
A kitchen aligned with the philosophy of healthy eating
This kitchen is a direct reflection of the Lab-École’s commitment to healthy eating. The school integrates agriculture into its spaces with vegetable gardens in the courtyard and green areas in the hallways, enabling students to engage in agricultural activities and understand natural cycles.
Our contribution comes to life through the “Mini-Chef: From garden to compost” program. Under the supervision of Chef Joy and their teachers, students use this space to learn how to plan, prepare, and serve meals to the entire school community, creating a direct connection between food production and cooking.
Equipment designed for learning
Furniture and layout: custom-made stainless steel counters and cabinets by Astor form the foundation of this space, combining durability with strict compliance to health and safety standards.
Preparation equipment: a professional Hobart mixer and meat slicer allow students to learn culinary techniques in optimal conditions.
Cooking and storage appliances: a domestic stove, microwave, and True refrigeration and freezing units complete the equipment needed for educational activities.
Hygiene and service systems: a Hobart dishwasher ensures compliance with health standards, while an Edlund electric can opener facilitates daily operations.
A tangible educational impact
This project perfectly illustrates how professional-grade equipment can support a modern educational vision. By creating an environment where culinary learning becomes a pathway to personal growth, this kitchen helps raise students’ awareness of healthy and sustainable eating while strengthening ties between the school and the community.
Our participation in this project reflects our commitment to innovation in the education sector and our pride in contributing to shaping the future of Quebec’s education, one piece of equipment at a time.
Proudly Canadian