Wood In Schools – A Positive Impact And Some Carpenter Oak Projects

06.03.2026

3 minute read

A Douglas fir framed school building with design and technology pupils

Schools and universities across the UK are designing and building educational settings using timber, recognising the benefits this can bring to the children and staff using them. These lucky children will enter a space that enhances their learning environment and looks to promote their emotional and physical well-being. These buildings are intended to inspire their creativity and learning, whilst providing comfort in a sustainable and ecological setting. There is an increased use of wood in schools, and it is having a positive impact on our children’s learning.

Positive Performance

Studies have shown, that educational settings, built from or containing wooden features can have a direct and positive impact on children’s physical and mental health. An Austrian study by Joanneum Research in 2008 compared a classroom of mainly solid wood materials with a standard classroom. Measurements were taken of the health benefits of 52 children. The study showed that the heart rates of the children in the wooden classroom were significantly reduced. There was a decreased perception of stress and the children were visibly more relaxed. The wooden environment also had a positive impact on their performance.

Biophilic Design

The sense of tranquillity experienced within timber buildings is attributed to biophilic design principles. Biophilia refers to an affinity for nature, promoting the integration of natural elements such as increased daylight, timber, and plants into built environments.

Structures that incorporate biophilic design, especially those utilising timber, have demonstrated similar benefits to those observed in the Austrian classroom study. Furthermore, biophilic features are associated with enhanced productivity and creativity, which are vital components within educational settings.

Oliver Heath Design, a firm specialising in sustainable architecture and interior design, references research indicating that educational spaces constructed according to biophilic design can accelerate learning rates by 20-25% and positively affect test scores, concentration, and attendance. Additionally, these environments may help mitigate symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Healthy Environment

Wood offers a healthy environment in several ways. A natural regulator of humidity, wood has the ability to improve air quality.

Wood naturally deflects and diffuses sound to provide ideal acoustics. Loud, echoey classrooms are less of a problem in wooden settings.

The warmth and texture of the wood create a homely environment. Even unconventional designs have an affinity for nature.

Building Bonuses

Wood, when sourced responsibly, is fully sustainable. It locks away CO2, providing the opportunity for carbon neutral and in some case carbon negative buildings. Locking away more carbon in its structure than used in it’s building.

Building in wood can be quick to erect. Much of the work can be carried out offsite causing less disruption. Reduced build time and less disruption can reduce the overall build costs.

Cross Laminated Timber and Glulam beams make way for endless, innovative and remarkable design possibilities.

Hybrid structures take advantage of the best qualities of each material used. Efficient solutions can be found for complex designs. Hybrid structures are common in large buildings such as schools. Wood works well in a hybrid situation, providing strength and beauty.

Carpenter Oak School Buildings

Carpenter Oak has had the privilege of being involved in several school buildings - find out more about some them of them below. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with architects and engineers on creating incredible environments for school children. If you have a project you would like to discuss with us, please get in touch.

St James School, Design and Technology Building
This award-winning Douglas Fir frame, erected in a week, provides a stunning educational setting. Designed to inspire and evoke an understanding and respect for craftsmanship, the building is home to design and technology students.

Brockwood Park, Hampshire
Carpenter Oak built four oak framed pavilions at Brockwood Park. The buildings are interconnected using links to form a sense of community. Children from Brockwood spent time at Carpenter Oak framing yard to learn about the process.

North London Collegiate School
Carpenter Oak designed and built bespoke air-dried oak trusses for the school’s Ideas Hub (facilities for innovation, design, engineering, art and science), combining strength with visual appeal, with spruce glulam used in other areas for sustainability and cost efficiency. The project showcases Carpenter Oak's skill in precision timber engineering and support for creative learning environments.

Bedales Theatre, Hampshire
An oak framed theatre in the round, the auditorium features a combination of steel and various timbers. The scale of the internal space is far more expansive than a traditionally built timber frame would allow. Balcony fronts are supported by hanging steel rods from the trusses.

Broomwood Hall, Dance Hall, London
A perfect example of how a Glulam timber frame makes the seemingly unachievable possible. A timber engineered roof structure fitted upon an existing Victorian four-storey building. Spanning a large area this gridshell constructed roof provides a practical and aesthetic solution.

Whatever kind of structure you need to achieve our knowledge, skills and expertise can help design and construct truly unique and innovative buildings. Please get in touch with us if you would like to discuss a project you have in mind.

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