wək̓ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm Elementary School is the Vancouver School Board’s first completed school to be constructed entirely of prefabricated CLT (cross-laminated timber) panels, a material that reduces embodied carbon and makes for a calm and inspiring learning environment. The school (formerly Sir Matthew Begbie) is part of a Vancouver School Board pilot project to assess the possibilities of mass timber for future schools.

HCMA architecture + design designed the school for how children learn today. Bright, open spaces and learning communities encourage focus and collaboration, while thoughtful additions such as alcove and window seating offer moments of quiet and retreat.

With its abundant natural light and extensive use of wood, the interior has a fundamental, grounded quality, complemented by views across the site and beyond to the city and Coast Mountains.

The school’s new hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ name means “the sun rising over the horizon” and was gifted by Musqueam Indian Band, who took inspiration from the Hastings Sunrise neighbourhood where the school is located and, like a sunrise, the new beginning for this school community.

“wək̓ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm Elementary School is a departure from the dark, insular schools of the past. Here, we have natural light and open spaces, textural and tactile surfaces, and places for learning, collaboration, play, and quiet retreat. Our goal was to design a place of learning that children deserve, where they feel comfortable, inspired to collaborate, and safe to explore, where they can play loudly in the gym, or find a quiet alcove to recharge,” said Karen Marler, principal, hcma architecture + design.

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