Mass Timber in Schools (Washington and Other)

Mass timber is the ideal material for schools. It creates heathy interior environments that can boost academic performance, is fast to build, sustainable, and can replace high carbon emitting materials like concrete and steel. Despite mass timber’s unique benefits for schools, many challenges still exist that thwart its widespread adoption. Drawing from over a decade of mass timber K-12 experience and nearly a dozen realized schools with mass timber, Joe Mayo will share effective strategies for how to move mass timber schools beyond the concept phase and into reality.

From completed K-12 projects and several currently under construction now, learn how to create a clear path for new mass timber K-12 schools that address common concerns, misconceptions, and highlight the potential for mass timber to be the material of choice for all future high-performance learning environments.

Joe Mayo

Associate Principal
Mahlum Architects

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Ann Arbor Public Schools (Michigan): Mass Timber Applications in Elementary Schools pursuing CHPS Certification

As energy costs continue to rise, extreme weather events become more frequent, and students, staff and parents demand action on the climate crisis, our schools continue to prioritize sustainability and student wellness. The integration of innovative building materials and design strategies is essential to meeting both environmental and educational goals. This presentation will explore how the use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) in school architecture aligns with the sustainability objectives set by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) criteria.

The discussion will examine lessons learned throughout the design process, highlighting how these materials not only contribute to reduced carbon footprints and enhanced energy efficiency but also foster learning environments. Using real-world case studies, Lindsay will share insights on how these materials balance durability and performance with the evolving needs of 21st century classrooms—creating spaces that promote and foster collaboration, flexibility, and innovation.

This session will provide an opportunity for design teams, educators, and sustainability experts to engage in a dialogue about the synergies between sustainable architecture and educational outcomes, demonstrating how CLT and Glulam applications can contribute to a school district’s objectives while advancing the future of learning.

Lindsay Woods

Senior Project Manager
Stantec Architecture

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Rooted in Wellness: Woodland’s Mass Timber Model for a Greener Future

The Woodland Junior High School, located on the northeast side of Fayetteville, Arkansas, sits on land once dedicated to agricultural pursuits, creating a unique opportunity to blend modern educational needs with the preservation of the region’s agrarian heritage. Envisioned as a model of resource efficiency, the 140,000 sf school incorporates a wide variety of strategies to minimize environmental impact while fostering healthy, biophilic learning environments. The project is pursuing both LEED and WELL certifications, underscoring the Fayetteville Public School District’s commitment to sustainability and wellness.

At the heart of the school’s sustainability story is its innovative hybrid mass timber structure, which combines cross-laminated timber (CLT), panelized metal stud walls, and glulam columns and beams. Early collaboration with school district leadership and a robust community engagement process garnered widespread support for mass timber in early design phases, setting a strong foundation for the project’s success.

This initiative demonstrates how early partnerships and evidence-based design strategies can pave the way for integrating mass timber into K-12 schools, showcasing its feasibility, practicality, and its potential to redefine educational architecture.

Tara Bray

Director of Environmental & Social Impact
Modus Studio

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What We Know Now: Applying Lessons Learned and Designing the Future of Mass Timber in K-12

With more square feet of constructed mass timber in K-12 school projects than most, Bassetti has learned some important lessons about making mass timber projects successful.

Kristian will present on the successes and challenges of several projects, and how Bassetti intends to approach future projects. Topics include: structural efficiencies, fiber quantities, moisture management, and integrating adaptability and flexibility into school designs.

Kristian Kicinski

Associate Principal / Director Of Sustainability
Bassetti Architects

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Session CEUs: Course Description & Learning Objectives

Course Description

Mass timber is emerging as a transformative material for K-12 school construction, offering numerous benefits, including improved indoor air quality, biophilic learning environments, sustainability, and faster build times. This course will explore the unique advantages of using mass timber in educational design, with insights into overcoming barriers to widespread adoption, integrating LEED and WELL certifications, and strategies for community engagement. Through a review of lessons from real-world projects, including structural efficiencies, moisture management, and adaptability, this course is designed to equip designers with the knowledge they need to successfully integrate mass timber into K-12 school projects and shape the future of educational architecture.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn how mass timber contributes to healthy interior environments, sustainable construction, and carbon reduction, with a focus on its impact on educational performance and student well-being.
2. Discover effective strategies for navigating common challenges, misconceptions, and technical obstacles associated with implementing mass timber in school design and construction.
3. Gain practical insights into best practices for integrating mass timber into school designs, focusing on structural efficiencies, moisture management, and adaptability.
4. Review how mass timber can support the pursuit of sustainability and wellness certifications while creating high-performance learning environments.