Great Lakes Boat Building School

Located in Cedarville, Michigan, the new Boat Building School is a 10,100 sqft purpose-built facility for higher education focused on wooden boat construction and restoration. The building includes classrooms, workshops, and storage spaces designed to support both academic instruction and hands-on learning. As the first mass timber project in the area, the structure features a hybrid system of cross-laminated timber (CLT), nail-laminated timber (NLT), hybrid structural composite lumber, and standard lumber, combined with structural steel. Mass timber was selected for its alignment with the school's curriculum and the area's strong ties to Michigan forestry.

The new construction reflects the program’s emphasis on traditional craftsmanship and modern building practices, preparing students for careers in custom boat building, restoration, and repair. It provides a durable and efficient space for students and faculty, and having its location near Cedarville Bay supports the school's unique focus and connection to the local boat-building industry.