imagining a city of wood.

Jan 08, 2025

We were recently challenged by writer and architecture critic Justin Davidson with Curbed (New York Magazine) to develop a speculative but realistic design for a public school project in Brooklyn using mass timber. This exercise was part of a larger effort to visualize what New York might look like if it embraced mass timber technology.

Our conceptual design for this K-12 school in Red Hook, Brooklyn, utilizes mass timber construction to create a sustainable and user-focused learning environment that integrates with its urban context. A prominent timber arcade, extending a nearby park onto the site, serves as a welcoming community threshold and recognizable landmark. The design thoughtfully responds to the existing context by incorporating a preserved brick warehouse facade, housing the natatorium, and echoing the area's warehouse typology with masonry detailing on the western facade. In contrast, the southern and eastern elevations of the mass timber structure feature expansive openings to maximize natural light and offer views of the park and surrounding streetscape, showcasing the material's biophilic qualities and creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment.

Our design is featured alongside projects by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, SHoP Architects, and ZGF, all ranging in size and function. This endeavor underscores modus studio's commitment to innovative and environmentally conscious design. We're proud to be part of a movement to push the boundaries of what's possible with mass timber.

Check out the full article and our own project page to learn more about our vision and the exciting possibilities of mass timber in New York.