Hilltop Heritage Elementary School, mass timber

The Renton School District set out determined to build the East Renton Highlands community a school that advanced sustainable building practices and fostered forward-thinking learning environments for future generations. The new Hilltop Heritage Elementary School did just that – it is a groundbreaking project that set a new standard for sustainable and innovative school construction. Designed by Hutteball + Oremus Architecture, Hilltop Heritage is the first elementary school in the Puget Sound region to incorporate mass timber as a primary structural element.

The school's structural system features cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, supported by glulam beams and columns, creating a warm and inviting environment for students and staff. The design prioritizes the exposure of mass timber as a final architectural feature while strategically concealing mechanical and electrical systems to maintain a clean aesthetic. This approach not only highlights the innate beauty of wood but uses it to connect students more closely with nature, enhancing the educational atmosphere.

Mass Timber Stats:

3-ply CLT + acoustic DLT roof, 5-ply CLT floors
CLT panel area: 73,422 SF | Total wood fiber: 37,823 CF

Project Highlights:

• First elementary school in the region built with mass timber
• Combined DLT and CLT systems to achieve cost savings and acoustic performance
• Early involvement in procurement planning ensured material sourcing aligned with budget and schedule
• Implemented detailing solutions to simplify erection and protect exposed finishes