Sheshegwaning Elementary School

The Sheshegwaning Elementary School on Manitoulin Island is a 16,500 sq. ft.,  mass timber school designed to serve both the Sheshegwaning First Nation and the neighbouring Zhiibaahaasing community. Replacing an aging facility, the school provides modern learning spaces alongside flexible gathering areas that support community events, ceremonies and cultural activities. 

Developed through extensive community engagement, the project reflects Indigenous approaches to land stewardship while fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection to place.

Building with Mass Timber
The single-storey school utilizes a post-and-beam structural system of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam, creating a warm, biophilic environment that supports student well-being while significantly reducing embodied carbon.

The exposed timber structure contributes to a welcoming learning atmosphere, while precision-prefabricated mass timber components improve construction quality, reduce material waste and accelerate installation.