Hord Coplan Macht (HCM), along with design build partners MCN and SKA Consulting Engineers, is proud to announce that the Whittier Elementary School renovation and expansion in Washington, D.C. was selected as one of four winners of the 2025 Mass Timber Competition: Building Sustainable Schools.
This net-zero renovation and expansion of Whittier will more than double the school’s space while preserving its historic main building. The mass timber addition will include STEM, art and music classrooms, a gym, a cafeteria, and outdoor green space. With support from the grant, the project team is exploring substituting the originally planned concrete and steel framing with cross-laminated timber and glulam systems. The design uses an optimized modular system, ensuring the approach is both cost effective and educationally accessible as the exposed mass timber limits the need for additional finishes and becomes a teaching tool within Whittier’s sustainability curriculum. The exposed natural wood also contributes to the biophilic interior.
“We’re honored to be part of an effort to demonstrate how a combination of local goals (Net Zero) and technology innovation (Mass Timber) can transform educational spaces,” said Brian Uher, Director of Building Performance and Sustainability at HCM. “This award reflects our commitments to innovation, environmental responsibility, and inspirational spaces for learning.”
The competition, sponsored by the Softwood Lumber Board and USDA Forest Service, awarded $1.8 million to projects that accelerate the adoption of mass timber in K-12 schools. Whittier’s winning proposal showcases how wood can support academic achievement, teacher satisfaction, and long-term sustainability.
Paul Lund, Principal in HCM’s PK-12 and Higher Education studios, attended the 2025 Mass Timber+ Conference to accept the award and share insights on the Whittier project during a panel discussion with other winners.
