With facilities stretched to capacity, Jefferson Elementary in Mount Vernon, Greywolf Elementary in Sequim, and Maple Elementary in Seattle embarked on a pilot program to create new learning environments.

The choice to build with cross-laminated timber (CLT) was both an economical and environmental one. In addition to being an economical choice with a low carbon footprint, it’s sourced and manufactured in the Northwest, making it a prized local material.

Select wall and ceiling elements of the buildings are CLT, with the roofs consisting of light framed wood trusses. On the interior, wood is left exposed – just another reason the classrooms are far preferable (and more durable and desirable) to portable classrooms.

A pilot project, the classroom designs were based on a single modular design. With only minor modifications made onsite, construction was extra efficient. The Walsh team was able to assemble the structural components for each site in just a few days.

Prioritizing flexibility, the interior can be arranged as individual classroom, combined classrooms, or an open floor plan (for library, admin or resource space). This approach allows the classrooms to evolve, adapting to the district’s future needs, capacities and teaching method.