Wood in Education

Wood’s advantages in learning environments

The mandate of the sustainability movement has expanded from its initial focus on energy conservation and other environmental impacts to include broader issues of human health.

People spend as much as 90 percent of their time inside buildings, and for children, adolescents and an increasing number of young adults, most of this time is spent either at home or in school. It is clear that the design of our indoor environments is of critical importance to human health—an intuitive conclusion that is now supported by an increasing body of scientific evidence.

Samuel Brighouse Elementary School
Photo credit: BaseTwo Media Inc.
Wood in Education Case Study

This case study reviews educational facilities across British Columbia, looking at their design, function and use of wood.

Internal view of UBC Earth Sciences Building atrium demonstrating multi-storey timber construction techniques for higher-density urban environments

Design Options for Three-and Four-Storey Wood School Buildings in BC

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Glue laminated timber beams and columns support the cantilever roof overhang in this exterior view of Gibsons Elementary School as children enter on a sunny day

Risk Analysis and Alternative Solutions for Three- and Four-Storey Wood Schools

     

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Glue-laminated timber (Glulam), Laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and Plywood prominently featured in this interior view of Wellington Secondary School

Cost Comparison Report: Four-Storey Wood School Design in British Columbia

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