Mass Timber in Schools: The Benefits & Why it’s Essential Moving Forward

As climate change continues to be one of the biggest crises of our time, we can’t ignore the contribution of the building and construction industry. As it’s a massive contributor to climate change, moving to more low-carbon and sustainable options (such as mass timber), is almost a requirement at this point when discussing regenerative methods.

At Studio VMA, we’re heavily invested in and focused on utilizing mass timber as a way to innovate and decrease carbon emissions. In addition to this, mass timber has a positive effect on health as well, which is why using it in school designs that we provide (such as for Toronto District School Board) is a no brainer. 

In this article, we’ll discuss more in depth on the benefits of mass timber use, specifically in schools, why it has a positive impact on health, wellness and sustainability along with what we’ve done in space.

What is Mass Timber?

Mass timber is a low-carbon option that has both design and construction advantages. When it comes to design, mass timber has an inherent fire rating, advanced thermal performance, more precision and control compared to other materials and it is of course, aesthetically beautiful. 

On the construction side, mass timber increases the speed of construction, has less disruption to local communities and fewer change orders since the process overall is highly coordinated.

In every aspect of building, from planning, design and construction mass timber creates a more seamless process while giving back positively to environments, communities and those spending time inside of the structures.

Why Mass Timber in Schools?

Outside of the reasons mass timber is a positive option for any build, schools have been at the forefront of the conversation and Studio VMA has been a part of that conversation since the beginning. 

Biophilic Design

With anxiety in students increasing year over year, biophilic design is more essential than ever and mass timber contributes greatly to this. Biophilic design helps to reduce blood pressure and stress all while increasing productivity and overall creativity. With the majority of time spent indoors for students, it’s important for them to live in a space that reflects nature and promotes a positive, calming environment. Increasingly, this material is being used in health care facilities since it promotes healing.

The biophilic design also has benefits for the teachers. Most are the same as the students, but in addition to this they have a higher satisfaction at work since students are more productive, focused and happy while learning. Teachers also find the work environment more peaceful.

Construction Benefits

Construction workers experience less injuries and they’re more satisfied on the job compared to when using other materials. This is likely an outcome of the mass timber being prefabricated off site which reduces the amount being done onsite, therefore reducing injuries and stress in the workplace. The overall coordination is also much more streamlined in its process.

Climate Change

With the building process contributing to 40% of the overall carbon emissions causing climate change, it’s important to focus on how mass timber plays its part. When it comes to wood products, they actually hold carbon which means it can have a positive impact on the carbon emissions of the industry. In addition to this, mass timber is normally broken down offsite which leads to less need for transporting the materials and cuts down those emissions that would have happened with, for example, steel or concrete.

What We’ve Done with Mass Timber and Design for Schools

As an ongoing advocate for a more sustainable future within the industry, Studio VMA has focused heavily on leading the way and innovating when it comes to mass timber use, especially in schools. 

Most recently, Studio VMA has worked with the Toronto District School Board on a plan for a school that will utilize mass timber holding 9 classrooms, 4 special education rooms, 2 kindergarten rooms, one art room, and one science room. We have also developed a childcare center, gymnasium and library. The plan is adaptable and flexible with a focus on wellness and health first for the students and teachers.