Westmark Lower School is a groundbreaking net-zero carbon campus in Encino, California, designed to support students with learning differences and provide them with a safe, nature-centric environment. Its innovative design, sustainable features, including mass timber, and commitment to inclusivity make it a model for future educational institutions.
Placed around a central courtyard, the school houses ten classrooms featuring various activity areas, including creative labs and reading nooks, to accommodate flexible learning. Large windows that let in natural light, as well as architectural elements made of raw materials like stone and wood, make the classrooms bright and roomy. To provide a direct connection to nature, each classroom has a hangar door that opens to the yard. The outdoor spaces are inviting, with a large playground and a sensory garden where students can explore, learn and play.
Kalesnikoff provided cross-laminated timber (CLT) for the building which is central to its construction. Mass timber was selected to meet the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. The visible mass-timber elements showcase the raw beauty of the materials used, creating an inviting atmosphere that inspires learning and creativity. In addition to the renewable mass timber elements, the design includes solar panels, and a central sycamore tree that collects rainwater for reuse, making sustainability a prime focus.
Product
Mass Timber, Cross-laminated Timber (CLT), Glue-laminated Timber (GLT or glulam)
Services
Mass Timber Supply, Fabrication, Logistics Management
