Wahta' elementary school

The Wahta' Elementary School project highlights the strength, adaptability, and warmth of wood, selected to meet both the functional and cultural needs of the community. More than a structural choice, wood serves as a narrative device, grounding the building in its landscape and daily use.

Central to the design is the extensive use of glued-laminated timber (glulam), valued for its structural efficiency and ability to achieve graceful curvature. This property enabled the creation of an organic spatial language that is both welcoming and well-suited to an educational environment.

The building’s structure is defined by a series of rigid glulam arches joined with glued-rod connections. This system provides high load-bearing capacity while maintaining slender proportions and visual lightness. The concealed connections simplify the reading of the interior, producing fluid lines and reinforcing the overall sense of clarity and elegance.

Wood also advances the project’s sustainability goals. All structural elements are shielded from weather exposure, extending service life and minimizing maintenance. Inside, exposed timber surfaces eliminate the need for secondary finishes, reducing material consumption while emphasizing the wood’s natural grain and texture. Together, these strategies reduce embodied energy, enhance durability, and create an environment with biophilic qualities known to support learning and well-being.

Wahta’ Elementary School demonstrates how contemporary architecture can combine traditional material knowledge with advanced timber engineering. By integrating glulam technology with sustainable detailing, the project provides a resilient, efficient, and inspiring setting for education—an enduring expression of respect for nature, craft, and community.