Mass Timber in K-12 Schools
Mass timber is transforming how schools are built in the Pacific Northwest. For decades, K-12 projects relied almost exclusively on steel and concrete — but Cornerstone has helped prove that timber is not only possible, it can offer a unique, sustainable way to build.
Why Mass Timber?
- Healthy Spaces: Exposed wood and natural finishes foster biophilic design, improving student wellbeing and focus.
- Sustainable: Timber sequesters carbon, reduces embodied energy and supports Washington’s climate goals.
- Efficient: Prefabricated panels shorten installation times and minimize disruptions to school campuses.
Meeting the Challenge
School construction is uniquely constrained by fixed start and finish dates — projects often begin when students leave for summer and must be ready when they return in the fall. That fast-paced schedule frequently pushes structure erection into the rainy season which is a challenge for moisture-sensitive materials like mass timber. Therefore, we've developed proactive solutions: from grid and span studies that reduce complexity, to pre-applied membranes and precision erection plans that keep timber safe, dry and on schedule. These strategies allow us to reliably deliver innovative timber schools on time, every time!
List of Projects
