Ottawa Forest & Nature School

The Andrew Fleck Ottawa Forest & Nature School is an innovative facility located on a forested site within Ottawa’s greenbelt. The goal of the construction of the building was to minimize negative impacts on the environment while maximizing children’s connection to nature. Throughout construction, the existing landscape and grading was retained as much as possible, and some of the onsite trees which needed to be removed were saved to be used as lumber or for furniture within the facility. The building features glue-laminated timber columns and beams.

Owner: Andrew Fleck Children’s Services

Structural Engineer: WSP Canada

Mass Timber Engineer: Revive Engineering

Architect: CSV Architects

Project Awards: 2025 Canadian Green Building Awards – Institutional (Small) Award, 2025 Ottawa Urban Design Award of Excellence – Urban Infill