CapU Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies
A mass-timber, 'living classroom' in a coastal forest, where children, future educators, and nature learn from one another while modeling low-carbon, biophilic design for the next generation.
ClientCapilano University
Project Type
Civic, Education, Woodlab
StatusCompleted
Dates2024
Services
Size2,092 SM / 21,528 SF
SustainabilityLEED Gold Certified
Project Description
The Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies at Capilano University is a living classroom where 74 children, future educators, and a coastal forest learn from one another. Integrating licensed child care spaces with Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) teaching areas, the Centre addresses a regional shortage of child care while advancing early childhood pedagogy, campus life, and low-carbon design. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia Approach and biophilic principles, the project demonstrates how mass-timber architecture, carefully tuned to site and climate, supports deep engagement with nature and community while achieving Step Code 4 performance and LEED Gold certification.
