King David High School

Location

Vancouver, BC

SIze

9,500 square metres

Completion

2005

Structural Engineer

Glotman Simpson Consulting

Project Materials

Decking

Glue-laminated timber (Glulam)

Millwork

Paneling

Siding

Structural Systems

Low rise

Post + beam

Prefabricated

King David High School promotes sustainably to its students and it is inherent in the construction of the building, which used glue-laminated timber (glulam) columns and beams and western red cedar siding.

  • Wood injects warmth into the building through its measured used.
  • The heart of the building is the multi-purpose sanctuary, with wood floors and exposed glue-laminated timber (glulam) beams and columns.
  • Western red cedar features prominently in the siding and overhangs of the exterior of the building.

King David High School offers an immersive educational experience that conveys conviction, responsibility and pride in its pupils. Wood’s inclusion injects warmth into the space, humanizing the building while appealing to people’s senses, psyche and imagination. Construction materials used for the project include glue-laminated timber (glulam) beams and columns, western red cedar siding, poured-in-place concrete, coloured concrete block, and Jerusalem stone. The use of structural components as finishing materials, combined with large expanses of wood paneling, meant a reduction in the use of gypsum board for finishing.

Wood features prominently

The placement of wood is throughout the building, in the wood-paneled cabinets of the music room, in the built-in benches of the lounge, and in the central sanctuary meeting room, where exposed wood glulam beams and columns and floor are lit by natural daylight. Outside, the overhangs and siding are made of western red cedar, giving the building a uniquely British Columbian look and feel.

Learn about the benefits of using wood in schools

Exterior daytime view of four storey Revelstoke Secondary School and Begbie View Elementary School glass elevator shaft adjacent to glue-laminated timber (glulam) beams supporting a Douglas-fir deck
Revelstoke Secondary School and Begbie View Elementary School

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Cover page of factsheet displaying a render image of a three-storey building, sunny sky and plenty of people enjoying the common areas and patios.
Wood Use in British Columbia Schools

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Glue-laminated timber (Glulam) and sustainable design are featured in this four story upward interior atrium view of the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS)
Wood in Higher Education

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Interior view of Samuel Brighouse Elementary showing student and demonstrating mass timber products, and hybrid timber systems construction
Wood in Education

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