Part of the BC Ministry of Education’s Seismic Mitigation Program, the new two-storey, 34,000 square foot elementary school embraces a modern design with open learning spaces. The use of cross-laminated timber as the primary construction material for this project will be a flagship for the Vancouver School Board as one of the district’s first CLT schools. The timber will be exposed on both walls and ceilings within large areas of the building, providing a warm and inviting environment for students.
The school (formerly named Sir Matthew Begbie Elementary School) was renamed wək̓ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm on December 9th. It was selected in collaboration with the Musqueam language and culture department in recognition of Vancouver’s Hastings Sunrise neighbourhood where the school is located. Learn how to pronounce wək̓ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm.
Project Essentials
- LocationVancouver, BC
- ClientVancouver School Board
- ArchitectHCMA Architecture + Design
- Size34,000 ft² (3,200 m²)