The new Dicken Elementary School is part of Ann Arbor Public Schools’ long-term program to transform its aging facilities into modern, flexible learning environments for the 21st century. The new 2-storey, 43,000 sq. ft., school is constructed on the existing 12-acre campus, with completion targeted for fall 2027.
Designed around the concept of a “tree house,” the school places a strong emphasis on connections to nature, health and wellness, sustainability and flexible learning. Natural materials and textures are central to the biophilic design approach, making mass timber a natural fit for a building designed to encourage exploration and connect students with the environment around them.
Mass Timber at the Heart of the School
Dicken Elementary uses a hybrid steel and mass timber structural system, combining cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor and roof panels with glulam beams and columns. Element5 provided PEFC-certified glulam and FSC Mix-certified CLT, supporting the school district’s commitment to environmentally responsible construction and sustainably sourced building materials.
The exposed timber is also an important part of the school’s architectural expression, bringing warmth and natural character into the learning environment while supporting the project’s biophilic design goals. The structure itself becomes part of the student experience, providing a visible connection to the natural materials used to construct their school.
Designed for Efficient Mass Timber Delivery
Element5’s involvement extends beyond supplying the mass timber. Our scope includes DfMA and LOD 400 modelling, timber-to-timber connection design, project management and logistics coordination, supporting the integration of the prefabricated timber components within the hybrid structural system.
Detailed digital modelling and prefabrication helped streamline coordination and installation, with CLT and glulam components manufactured off-site and delivered ready for assembly. This approach supports efficient construction while helping bring the school’s mass timber design from concept to reality.
