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Exterior sunny view of Abbotsford Senior Secondary School showing mass timber construction, including: Glue-laminated timber (Glulam) and solid-sawn heavy timbers

Abbotsford Senior Secondary School

Location: Abbotsford, B.C.
Architect: Station One Architects (formerly Craven Huston Powers Architects)
Completion: 2012
Photo credit: Aaron Millar

Size
10,700 square metres

Owner
School District No. 34 Abbotsford

Structural Engineer
Bush, Bohlman & Partners

Structural systems
Hybrid / Wood
Light frame
Low rise
Post + beam
Prefabricated

Project materials
Decking
Glue-laminated timber (Glulam)
Lumber
Panelling
Plywood
Solid-sawn heavy timber

Timber rotunda highlights Abbotsford school’s sustainable revamp

Upon entering this rehabilitated senior secondary school, a timber-built rotunda commands the visitor’s attention three storeys upward, to an intricate web of exposed glulam and wood decking.

The use of wood is front and centre at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School, a 60-year-old building that underwent major rehabilitation and replacement in 2012. The result was a energy efficient complex that includes a school big enough for 950 high school students, a new city/school library and a neighbourhood learning centre accessible to the wider community.

A three-storey-high wood ceiling commands attention

The intricate timber rotunda roof, built of exposed glue-laminated timber and wood decking, is both a focal point and practical way to join old and new portions of the facility. The wood structure radiates outward from a central steel compression ring, while the glulams support 2×2 dimension wood framing and a plywood deck. The kaleidoscopic wood dome is both a formal and informal gathering space. Its intricate timber design offers ideal acoustics for the school’s frequent concert performances.

Designers took their wood inspiration from the past

Inspiration to make wood central to its design came from the demolition, when the crew discovered the old 3.6-metre-deep rafters that had been hidden above the suspended ceiling of the gym. The design team knew that they’d have to incorporate the beauty of the old reclaimed beams, which were stained and used in the new gym as exposed rafters. Some of the wood beams were also repurposed as seats in the rotunda.

Prefabricated assembly allowed for an efficient roof build

Wood components were given a double clear coat prior to arrival on site. The roof was prefabricated in 12 triangular pieces before being lifted into place by crane. Heavy timber was used for the primary structural components and secondary members were treated with fire retardant, under an “alternative solution”, so that it complied with BC Building Code requirements for non-combustible construction.

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