Located in North Bay, Ontario, Woodland Public School draws inspiration from the forest and rock landscapes in the region in an effort to create a learning environment filled with natural warmth and beauty while simultaneously supporting and celebrating the cultural importance of wood in Northern Ontario.

Completed for the Near North District School Board, the building is situated in an established neighbourhood and adjacent to a 17-acre urban park filled with mixed forest and exposed granite outcroppings. The building replaces an aging (and much smaller) school on the same site, and is home to over 500 students in grades ranging from kindergarten to grade six.

The design features heavy timber roof construction in all the core areas, including the lobby, gymnasium, library, and main stairway. The wood creates a warm and welcoming environment within the school while meeting code requirements for non-combustible construction. Heavy timber glue-laminated columns are also featured prominently as a facade element at the library, acting as sun-shading devices while echoing the verticality of the nearby trees. Wood composite panels used in vertical elements on the facade further this design language, bringing the warmth and beauty of wood to the exterior while minimizing maintenance costs.

The interior of the school also features the extensive use of maple veneer and solid wood elements; maple veneer wall paneling provides a durable yet beautiful wall finish in high traffic public areas, solid maple benches with maple veneer cubbies above provide a place for students to change their shoes and store their bags, while maple veneer millwork throughout the facility brings a high quality atmosphere to the classrooms and staff spaces. The exterior of the building is also representing the proven performance product, Sika Sarnafil Roofing System.