Interior daytime view of Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre highlighting the wood floor, carved wooden canoe, and extensive use of mass timber in the columns, balcony, and ceiling structures

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Location: Whistler, B.C.
Architects:

Formline Architecture + Urbanism
Toby Russell Buckwell & Partners

Completion: 2008
Photo credit: Michael Bednar

Size
3,350 square metres

Structural Engineer
Equilibrium Consulting Inc.

Structural systems
Post + beam

Project materials
Glue-laminated timber (Glulam)
Millwork
Paneling
Siding

Hub of art and culture for Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations

A vital hub of art and culture for the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre combines technology with tradition in a contemporary interpretation of traditional longhouse and pit house forms.

Technology meets tradition: a contemporary take on Indigenous forms

Adjacent to Lost Lake Park in Whistler’s upper village, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (external link) combines technology with tradition, in a contemporary interpretation of traditional longhouse and pit house forms used by the Squamish and Lil’wat Peoples. The post-and–beam glulam design supports three storeys across a radial plan, the structure itself cutting into the hillside on the north edge of the steeply sloping site, giving it a dramatic, ceremonious stance.

Warmth of wood abounds in this light-filled exhibition space

On the exterior, local basalt ledgestone forms a plinth beneath a window wall along the north side, while prefabricated, western red cedar cladding completes the other elevations. The main entrance, with its intricately carved western red cedar doors, leads visitors directly into a light-filled Great Hall. This impressive double-height space features dugout canoes and a massive western red cedar spindle whorl suspended from the ceiling beams. This main exhibition level also contains a theatre and gallery space.

Co-designed and constructed by Nations

Coming together as part of a historic agreement in 2001 (external link), the two nations built the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to share their cultural knowledge, support local artists and inspire understanding and respect amongst all people. Members of Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations co-designed and constructed the cultural centre, and following its completion established an Indigenous trades school. Amenities in support of artists include a second gallery, workshops and access to a replica longhouse and an istken (a traditional Lil’wat pit house), located on the south side of the site. Stairs down from the Great Hall lead to the gift shop, cafeteria, and curatorial and administrative spaces.

Exterior snowy daytime close up view of Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre roof overhang showing glue-laminated timber (glulam), millwork, and paneling
Photo credit: Michael Bednar

Case study: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Learn more about the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Opens in new tab