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Exterior early evening view of the Nadleh Whut’en Yah Administration and Cultural Building showing a covered entrance walkway with post and beam columns

Nadleh Whut’enne Yah Administration and Cultural Building

Location: Fort Fraser, B.C.
Architects:

Evans Architecture
Joe Y. Wai
Completion: 2016
Photo credit: Martin Knowles

Size
2,500 square metres

Owner
Nadleh Whut’en First Nation

Structural engineer
Equilibrium Consulting Inc.

Engineered wood supplier / fabricator
Mercer Mass Timber LLC

Structural systems
Hybrid / Wood
Light frame
Low rise
Post + beam
Prefabricated

Project materials
Glue-laminated timber (Glulam)
Laminated strand lumber (LSL)
Lumber
Millwork
Plywood
Siding
Solid-sawn heavy timber

Species
Western red cedar
Douglas-fir
Birch

The key design feature in the government complex for Nadleh Whut’en First Nation is the two circular structures that serve as the lobby and council chambers—dramatic rooms with vaulted glue-laminated timber (glulam) beam roofs that are clad in western red cedar.

The Nadleh Whut’enne Yah Administration and Cultural Building serves as a hub for the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation (external link), whose territory is near the base of Mount Fraser, in the geographic centre of B.C. The community wanted wood to serve not only as the primary building element, but also to be left exposed as much as possible to visually connect the building to its forested landscape. The building is designed for a high degree of use, including council meetings as well as community use of a health centre, offices, community kitchen, learning centre, gymnasium, outdoor amphitheatre and cultural and historical displays.

Connecting a wood structure with the surrounding forest

Wood was used almost exclusively throughout the post-and-beam structure, from the glulam framing and plywood sheathing to the decorative millwork, interior features and exterior cladding. The large low-profile complex features a circular pithouse-inspired lobby and circular council chambers, with a vaulted glulam beam roof clad with western red cedar tongue-and-groove planks. Large Douglas-fir glulam beams span the width of the assembly hall. Solid wood posts add richness and warmth to the main corridors and lobby, supporting the beams above while highlighting the exposed wood structure. Cedar, Douglas-fir and birch planks showcase the durability and beauty of the locally sourced wood. The goal was to visually connect the exposed wood of the building to its forested landscape.

“Our new cultural centre was designed with wood to have a long life. With proper care, the building should be usable for at least 100 years and even longer so that it can be passed on to our great-great-grandchildren.”

CHIEF LARRY NOOSKI, NADLEH WHUT’EN FIRST NATION

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