The Valley School Classroom and Outdoor Amphitheater

Seattle, WA

The construction of the classroom relied on local wood products to create a ‘tree house’ atmosphere. The exposed structure and majority wood materials reflect a desire to avoid artificial surfaces and coatings, making the classroom and theater a tactile and visual environmental experience. Durability of materials was considered in high wear areas, with hardwood intentionally used at the floors. This allows for a lower level of maintenance and less reliance on paint to preserve longevity. The shear walls were planned so that they can become green walls that plans will grown on when resources allow. The primary wood used was cedar, for a native material that provides natural beauty.

Version History
  • Project uploaded by WoodWorks on 10-07-2024
  • Project last updated by WoodWorks Innovation Network (WIN) on 10-24-2024
Project Details
  • Year Built

    2023

  • Number Of Stories

    2

  • Bldg system

    Innovative Light-Frame

  • Sq. Meters

    46

  • Construction Type:

    V-B

  • Building Type:

    Assembly (Worship, Restaurant, Theater, etc.)

  • Material Types:

    Mass Timber
    Glue-Laminated Timber (GLT or glulam)
    Light-Frame
    I-joists

Project Team
  • Babienko Architects Architect
  • Harriot Valentine Engineers Structural Engineer
  • Method Construction General Contractor
Version History
  • Project uploaded by WoodWorks on 10-07-2024
  • Project last updated by WoodWorks Innovation Network (WIN) on 10-24-2024
Need help with your own project?

WoodWorks can help find a team, technical details, and more.