Burnaby North Secondary School

With an increase in population and need for seismic upgrading, the Burnaby School District determined a replacement was necessary to provide a safe and modern learning environment for students. The new Burnaby North Secondary School accommodates up to 1,800 students, making it one of the largest schools in the province at approximately 200,000 sq. ft. The replacement also includes a Neighbourhood Learning Centre for Community & Continuing Education, as well as a Childcare Centre to help serve the surrounding community.

Designed for flexibility, classrooms are arranged in horseshoe shape comprised of nine pods with six classrooms each to promote communities of learning and interaction among students. At the heart of the school, a central commons area serves as both a student hub and breakout space, fostering collaboration and connection.

Composite mass timber framing defines this area, extending into the atrium and highlight the elegant glulam purlins that form the exterior facade, morphing seamlessly into the roof structure.

The gym was constructed using tilt-up panel shear walls, selected for efficiency in the construction schedule. These panels incorporate innovative connection assemblies designed to meet the new code for seismic ductility requirements. Throughout the rest of the building, structural steel framing was used to accommodate the variety of massing changes, including cantilevered sections and stepped blocks.

The new Burnaby North Secondary School welcomed students in early 2024.