Exterior sunny daytime view of multi layered cantilever wooden roof sections extending out from Tsleil Waututh Administration and Health Centre

Tsleil-Waututh Administration & Health Centre

Location: North Vancouver, B.C.
Completion: 2018
Photo credit: Dr Roman Trubka

Size
2,900 square metres

Structural Engineer
Fast + Epp

Construction Manager
Syncra Construction Management

Wood Supplier
BC Passive House

Structural systems
Light frame
Mass timber
Post + beam

Project materials
Glue-laminated timber (Glulam)
Lumber
Millwork
Nail-laminated timber (NLT)
Siding
Solid-sawn heavy timber

Species
Western red cedar
Douglas-fir
SPF
Birch
Maple

A hub for the Nation’s administration, governance, health and social services

The Tsleil-Waututh Administration & Health Centre is a hub for the Nation’s administration, governance, health and social services. In addition, it serves as a hub for cultural and social engagements, while also preserving official records and historical artifacts. The building provides a framework for future growth as the needs of the community evolve. The architecture of the building is expressive of Tsleil-Waututh philosophy and cultural heritage. The undulating roof celebrates in architectural form the symbiotic relationship between the Tsleil-Waututh people and the sea.

Relationship with the natural world

Tsleil–Waututh means People of the Inlet so it’s fitting that the building sits on a sloping terrain overlooking Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver. The importance of their relationship with the natural world is further emphasized through the extensive use of wood for both structure and finishes, in addition to the expansive glazing that provides both natural light and views of the adjacent forest.

Primary and secondary structure, and in finishes wood use

The main roof structure is comprised of NLT SPF panels supported on Douglas-fir glulam beams. Both panels and beams use local material and were prefabricated in British Columbia. The curves were achieved using thin laminations of Douglas-fir pressed into three different profiles, the longest being 33 metres in length. 

The walls of the Tsleil-Waututh Administration & Health Centre are constructed using conventional wood framing methods most commonly associated with residential construction. However, the virtues of familiarity, speed, economy and the sustainability of local SPF material make the technique appropriate for this project.

Locally harvested wood was used for exterior cladding and interior finishes. The continuity of the wall treatment serves to connect the building with its natural surroundings. The interior millwork, including three reception desks, uses a variety of B.C. wood species, including SPF, birch and maple. 

Reinforcing tradition through the use of wood

Western red cedar log construction was used in the council chamber. The large timbers were supplied by the Nation and dried and milled in British Columbia.

For the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, western red cedar holds the highest cultural value of any material, so its use reinforces the importance of this particular space. The stacking of logs echoes the historic construction methods, underscoring the importance of tradition, even within contemporary life.

“From time out of mind, Tsleil-Waututh, the People of the Inlet, have relied upon the land and water resources of their traditional territory. As the Nation‚ new seat of government, the Administration, and Health Centre continues this tradition by using as much local timber and other natural resources as possible to build a sustainable and resilient reflection of the Tsleil-Waututh community and environment.”

DALE KOMANCHUK, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, TSLEIL-WAUTUTH NATION
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