CLIENT: Tzeachten First Nation
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Tzeachten First Nation retained PRI for the structural design of a 9,188 sq. ft. Longhouse. The facility comprises a main hall with bleachers, a single-storey side wing housing washroom and kitchen facilities, and a covered entryway — serving as a cultural gathering space for the Tzeachten First Nations community.
CHALLENGE:
The project required a structural design that could honor the cultural and aesthetic significance of the Longhouse while meeting modern engineering standards. Incorporating traditional cedar log columns and exposed heavy timber elements as both structural and architectural features demanded careful coordination between engineering performance and cultural expression across three distinct building forms.
APPROACH:
PRI designed a mixed heavy timber structural system tailored to each area of the facility. The main hall roof was framed with traditional timber roof joists carried on heavy mass timber glulam beams supported by steel columns, creating an open and dignified gathering space. The single-storey side wing was designed with prefabricated timber roof trusses on timber stud walls for an efficient and functional enclosure. The covered entryway was designed with traditional timber rafters on heavy mass timber beams carried by cedar log columns, directly incorporating First Nations heritage materials into the structure. Throughout, exposed structural elements were treated as aesthetic features, bringing a warm wood tone atmosphere to the interior.
OUTCOME:
PRI delivered a structurally sound Longhouse that successfully integrates modern engineering with the cultural identity of the Tzeachten First Nation. The completed facility provides a dignified and functional community gathering space where traditional cedar and heavy timber craftsmanship are celebrated as central design elements.