School District 41 (Burnaby) engaged studioHuB Architects to design a 20-classroom, two-storey prefabricated addition at Kitchener Elementary School. The existing campus consists of a 100+-year-old heritage school building and a separate gymnasium; the new addition will physically connect these two structures, creating a more cohesive, accessible, and modernized learning environment.

This project is part of the Ministry of Education’s pilot program for modular/prefabricated construction, and studioHuB is collaborating closely with EXO Construction Group to integrate their prefabricated panel system into the design. Early engagement with EXO, building on our successful partnership on SD62’s Sooke projects, has enabled a fast-tracked process for building permits and construction documentation.

Regular meetings with the City of Burnaby have fostered open dialogue, streamlining the approvals process and ensuring alignment with municipal requirements.

The addition is designed around 21st-century learning principles, featuring breakout spaces and learning common spaces. Dedicated special education spaces and an expanded administration office will further enhance the school’s programming. An elevator included in the addition will provide full accessibility across both new and existing buildings, significantly improving the campus’s inclusivity and usability.

Through innovative prefabricated construction, the project not only modernizes the school’s facilities but also unifies a campus with buildings from vastly different eras, seamlessly blending heritage and contemporary architecture into a connected and future-ready learning environment. Construction began in summer 2025 with estimated completion summer 2023.