HONOR AWARD WINNER

ARBOUR HOUSE

Designed for a retired couple, Arbour House in Victoria, B.C., offers accessible single floor living with intimate, interconnected spaces that are perfect for hosting. “The creative use of wood and innovative design elements of this project are impressive,” says Mauraine Bos of Sansin.

The house integrates wood as a key architectural element, and a pleated ceiling of finger-jointed Western hemlock serves as the centrepiece. “A folding wood screen runs through the house and right outside, but the screen has skylights above it, so it brings light through the woven wood ceiling and casts dappled light on the ground, which changes over the day,” says Wood Design & Building Awards juror, Alfred Waugh, of Formline Architecture + Urbanism. “It’s similar to walking under the canopy of a tree and having the light coming through the leaves of the trees.”

The design responds to the site’s coastal breezes, sunlight, and sloping topography, offering a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. “It is a well-executed, beautiful project. It has one single mood: invoking the natural environment around the house,” concluded Waugh.

Sustainably harvested wood is used throughout, from light wood framing to engineered wood components. Renewable energy systems, including geothermal and solar power, further enhance the home’s low-carbon profile, making it both functional and environmentally conscious. In addition, it “utilizes an adequate coating system for the exposure levels, making Arbour House the right choice for this award,” says Bos. “The KP-12UVW and SDF topcoat specification provides the right level of protection, while meeting the homeowner’s requirements.

This project was the darling of the awards program, earning not only an Honor Award but also prestigious recognition from WoodWorks BC and Sansin.

Architect - Patkau Architects

Structural Engineer - RJC Structural Engineering

General Contractor - Rannala Freeborn Construction

Photography - James Dow

Wood Supplier - Canadian Bavarian, Chemainus, BC, Canada / Home Lumber & Building Supplies, Victoria, BC, Canada

HONOR AWARD WINNER

HILLTOP COTTAGE

The Hilltop Cottage, perched above a river valley, serves as a seasonal retreat, commemorating the place where its owners became engaged.

Clad in Western Red Cedar shingles, the pavilion echoes the maritime and historic Scottish shieling vernacular with thick walls and a hipped roof. Sliding barn doors conceal openings, giving the cottage a monolithic appearance, while retracting to blend interior and exterior spaces seamlessly.

A foundation of local stone grounds the structure, which is crafted with 98% wood for minimal environmental impact. Using local materials, the cottage incorporates sustainably sourced timber, reclaimed pine, and custom-made cedar and oak elements.

This minimalist design balances tradition with modernity, creating a structure that connects with its landscape through natural light, air, and views.

Architect - MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, Halifax, NS, Canada

Structural Engineer - Geoff Axell and Paul Hamson, CBCL Consulting Engineers, Halifax, NS, Canada

General Contractor - Terry and Glen Buggie, Chelmsford, NB, Canada

Photography - Matthew MacKay-Lyons

Wood Supplier - Atlas Structural Systems, Saint Johns, NB, Canada

MOHEGAN TRAIL

This island home, perched on a coastal bluff, was designed to endure harsh storms and overcome the logistical challenges of its remote location. With no access to cargo boats, all materials arrived by passenger ferry, which dictated the use of lightweight, common lumber. To cope with the high winds, in strategic areas the framing is butted together directly, then through bolted with threaded rods and anchored to the foundations, creating shear walls to transfer the lateral forces to the foundation. Exposed framing defines the house’s raw, sturdy aesthetic. Cedar shakes, copper flashing, and traditional building felt form a resilient exterior, while rigid insulation outside the sheathing ensures efficient thermal performance. The saltbox design, oriented to face storms, is a modern interpretation of traditional Northeastern architecture, balancing simplicity and durability amidst the rugged landscape.

Architect - Paul Masi, Bates Masi + Architects, East Hampton, NY, USA

Structural Engineer - Steven Maresca, Hampton Bays, NY, USA

Photography - Bates Masi + Architects, East Hampton, NY, USA

Wood Supplier - Bear Creek Lumber, Winthrop, WA, USA Liberty Cedar, West Kingston, RI, USA

THE NEST

Inspired by traditional North Woods camp architecture, The Nest blends wood, stone, and contemporary design to create airy, light-filled spaces connected to nature. The two main structures—a Sunroom Pavilion and a Dining Pavilion—are sheltered by sculptural roofs. A glass-walled gallery connects the pavilions, opening to a lakeside deck and a terrace leading to pathways through the woods. The Sunroom serves as a communal living space with large lift-slide doors that transform it into an open-air porch, while the Dining Pavilion seats 85 and features lake views and a granite hearth for family gatherings. Sustainability is central, with reclaimed cedar siding, locally sourced wood, and energy-efficient design, including passive cooling strategies and triple-glazed windows, seamlessly integrating the pavilions with their natural surroundings.

Architect - SALA Architects, Inc. David O'Brien Wagner, AIA and Jody McGuire, AIA

Structural Engineer - Align Structural, Christian Soltermann, St. Paul, MN

General Contractor - Ridgeback Construction, Tom Letke, Bayfield County, WI

Photography - ESTO Photographics, Albert Vecerka, Brooklyn, NY

Wood Supplier - Vortanz Lumber, Hayward, WI

PREPARED REHMANNIA ROOT CRAFTS EXHIBITION HALL

Houyanmen Village has been strategically prioritizing rural industrial revitalization, with plantation construction playing a pivotal role in the village's overall development. In designing the Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall, LUO studio broke away from traditional notions, embracing a design for the hall that balances large-span spaces with local and ecological attributes. Inspired by the cooking of Rehmannia roots, the design centers on light, creating a dynamic interplay of natural light and shadows throughout the building. The near-circular form enhances the light's fluidity, while avoiding complex arcs for construction efficiency. Drawing from traditional wooden construction techniques, the project used small-section column arrays, which were then stacked vertically and horizontally to secure secondary small wooden beams. This lightweight modular system allowed villagers to assemble components without heavy machinery, making construction more efficient and suited to the region's rural roads and conditions.

Architect - Luo Yujie, Wang Beilei, Cao Yutao, Huang Shangwan, Zhang Chen

Structural Engineer - Luo Yujie

General Contractor - Henan Shancheng Construction Engineering Co., Ltd

Photography - Jin Weiqi

Wood Supplier - Shinewood Building Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

WISDOME STOCKHOLM

The extension of the National Museum of Science and Technology features a visualization dome, café, and exhibition hall. The dome, designed for an immersive audiovisual experience, takes center stage under a free-form timber roof, integrating seamlessly with the museum's courtyard. Rather than a typical low structure with a protruding dome, the design places the dome as the focal point, balancing its height with the surrounding lower buildings. The 26x48m timber gridshell roof creates a striking interior and an expressive exterior, showcasing the dome’s unique function. Constructed with flat standard LVL panels, this innovative design explores the potential of timber construction. The project demonstrates the importance of experimental, sustainable architecture that pushes technological boundaries, paving the way for future innovations in timber design.

Architect - Elding Oscarson

Structural Engineer - Florian Kosche, DIFK, Norway, SJB Kempter Fitze, Switzerland and H

General Contractor - Blumer Lehmann (timber structure) Oljibe

Photography - Anna Gerdén

Wood Supplier - Stora Enso

Architect - ABCP architecture et urbanisme, Quebec, QC, Canada

Structural Engineer - L2C, Quebec, QC, Canada

General Contractor - Ronam Constructions Inc., Quebec, QC, Canada

Photography - Stéphane Groleau, Stoneham, QC, Canada

Wood Supplier - Structure Fusion, Quebec, QC, Canada

L'ESPACE PHILIPPE BOUCHER ICE RINK

The Espace Philippe Boucher in Saint-Apollinaire’s Terry Fox Park is a multi-use, covered ice rink that hosts skating and hockey in winter, and sports like pickleball and basketball in summer. The standout feature is its hybrid wood-and-steel roof, supported by turned wood columns designed to give the appearance of a floating canopy. Glulam V and inverted V columns line the rink, blending load support and bracing into a seamless element. The wood-and-steel trusses span nearly 99 feet, with varying depths based on load requirements. CLT decking and glulam beams form the secondary structure, topped with plywood for reinforcement. The innovative design provides maximum protection for the wood beams against the elements. Cantilevers in both directions direct water away from the structure, minimizing the maintenance and ensuring the longevity of the building's components.

Architect - Perkins&Will, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Structural Engineer - Fast + Epp, Vancouver, BC, Canada

General Contractor - EllisDon-Kinetic, A Joint Venture, Victoria, BC, Canada

Photography - Elkan Architectural Photography, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Wood Supplier - Kalesnikoff, Castlegar BC, Canada

CHEKO'NIEN HOUSE

Cheko’nien House at the University of Victoria in BC is a warm, wood-centric student housing project designed to honour the land’s Indigenous history. The design integrates the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples' connection to the land, with input from Indigenous Elders and faculty shaping both the building process and site preservation. The hybrid structure of mass timber, steel, and concrete maximizes efficiency, with Douglas fir CLT floors, walls, and roofs supported by glulam columns. Specially designed hexagonal columns and custom steel trusses add distinction to the multi-purpose room, while generous glazing and timber elements blur the line between indoors and out. LEED v4 Gold and Passive House certified, the building reduces thermal bridging and insulation needs, showcasing wood’s role in energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction.

Architect - Atelier Mey Architects, Miami, Florida, US

Structural Engineer - Britt, Peters & Associates, Greenville, South Carolina, US

General Contractor - Daniel Wirth, Mass Timber Erector, Austin, Texas, US

Photography - Timothy Hursley, Little Rock, Arkansas, US

Wood Supplier - SmartLam N.A. , Dothan, Alabama, US

HOUSE IN A GARDEN

House In A Garden is a single-story, mass timber home in Miami’s Historic Coconut Grove. It respects the scale of historic Bahamian structures with a full-width porch along its north elevation and an inner courtyard that brings light and garden views to all rooms. As Miami-Dade County's first mass timber building, it sets a new standard for sustainable design, using locally sourced southern yellow pine (SYP) CLT panels. The project collaborated with local officials to approve this emerging technology and established new code-compliant approaches for mass timber construction in Florida. The home integrates passive design strategies, including cross-ventilation, large windows, and deep overhangs, while utilizing recycled materials and minimizing carbon emissions through local sourcing and energy-efficient construction techniques.

Architect - Saucier + Perrotte, Montréal, QC, Canada

Structural Engineer - Latéral : Montreal, QC, Canada

General Contractor - Construction Gératek, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada

Photography - Raphaël Thibodeau

Wood Supplier - Ambiance Bois, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada Nordic, Chibougamau, QC

QUANTUM INSTITUTE

The Quantum Institute at Université de Sherbrooke is a pioneering example of architectural and technological innovation. The three-story building’s primary structure features mass timber—cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam—chosen for its environmental and structural advantages. The wood construction significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, cutting 183 tons of CO2, while also sequestering carbon, contributing to a positive carbon balance. The top two floors, housing advanced research labs, rest on a concrete podium, ensuring the structural stability needed for precision experiments. Innovative techniques, such as Peikko DeltaBeams and glued-in rods within the CLT, enhance load-bearing capacity, making this project the first in North America to integrate these methods. The wood structure allows for flexibility and a distinctive aesthetic, embodying sustainability while symbolizing the boundless potential of quantum science.

Architect - FBM, Halifax, NS, Canada: Susan Fitzgerald, Alicia McDowell, Amber Kilborn, Peter Kolodziej, Ben Griffiths, Danny Goodz

Structural Engineer - Campbell Comeau Engineering: Giles Comeau, Freddy Bekkers

General Contractor - Aitchison Fitzgerald Builders: Brainard Fitzgerald, Scott Aitchison, Ed Finney

Photography - doublespace photography: Younes Bounhar; Kickstand Building Design Support: Greg Hanlon

Wood Supplier - Timber Systems Limited: Christopher Williams, John Turner, Blake Hockey

CUNARD STREET LIVE / WORK / GROW

Cunard Street Live / Work / Grow exemplifies "people-driven design" through its choice of materials, community integration, and support for a collaborative work environment. Designed as a research project on mass timber construction, the office building incorporates glulam within a five-storey, mixed-use wood structure. The project explores the use of Douglas fir for columns and beams, and spruce-pine for floor slabs, with the thickness of the wood adjusted to meet specific load requirements. Due to the tight urban site, concrete and steel were used for non-combustible elevator shafts and stairwells. The design maximizes natural daylight by positioning services along the east and west walls, allowing for exposed wood ceilings. The post-pandemic informed design emphasizes fresh air, daylight, and connections to nature, serving as a model for future mass timber construction in Atlantic Canada.

Architect - Lucie Paquet architecte, Montréal, QC, Canada Paulette Taillefer architecte, Montréal, QC, Canada Leclerc architectes, Montréal, QC, Canada

Structural Engineer - Stantec, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada

General Contractor - Therrien Entrepreneur Général, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada

Photography - David Boyer, Saint-Jérome, QC, Canada

Wood Supplier - Ambiance bois, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada

DES CERISIERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Des Cerisiers Elementary School in Maskinongé combines thoughtful design with a strong emphasis on sustainable wood construction, serving both educational and community needs. The renovation and expansion include new classrooms, workshops, a gymnasium, and gathering spaces, using engineered wood and light framing for a cost-effective yet robust structure. Wood is extensively employed throughout the building, from structural elements to interior partitions, with bio-based finishes and wood fiber insulation enhancing sustainability. The dining area connects to a courtyard and gardens, integrating local food practices into the curriculum. Outdoor spaces, including the gym and sports facilities, create a vibrant, green environment for students and residents. This nature-integrated design highlights local craftsmanship and resources, offering an inspiring and sustainable learning space.

Architect - RHIZOME, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation

Structural Engineer - OZSK LLC, Gatchina, Russian Federation

General Contractor - OZSK LLC, Gatchina, Russian Federation

Photography - Dmitry Tsyrenschikov, Ivan Erofeev

Wood Supplier - Ramwerk Engineering LLC, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation

LP HOTEL WITH A VIEW

The Tochka na Karte Lodeynoye Pole hotel, perched on the high banks of the Svir' River, was designed to move beyond the rigid orthogonal logic of stacked modular boxes. Seeking a more expressive and dynamic solution, the project integrates glulam for the roundabout galleries, staircases, and recessed balconies, adding complexity to the interaction between guests and the architecture. By combining modular construction with the flexibility of glulam, the design avoids becoming constrained by structural and economic limitations. The resulting two low-rise buildings, housing 50 rooms, offer panoramic views while maintaining a seamless connection to nature. Decorative screens along the galleries create intricate shadows, further enriching the experience and blurring the boundaries between interior and landscape, achieving a unique balance between functionality and architectural expression.

Architect - 25:8 Architecture + Urban Design

Structural Engineer - Capacity Engineering

General Contractor - Treestone Construction

Photography - Brendan Burden

Wood Supplier - Home Depot

#FERNDALE_FLIGHTDECK

The #Ferndale_flight deck is a stunning renovation that appears to hover like a bird in flight, nestled within a lush forest. Designed for bird enthusiasts, the rooftop deck offers panoramic views of the treetops and native wildlife. A wooden façade inspired by bird wings extends gracefully to the ground, adding a sculptural quality to the design and doubling as concealed storage for paddleboards. A compact yet serene home office, bathed in natural light, offers framed views of the Ottawa River and tree canopy. This small addition makes a big impression, both in its beauty and functionality. Strategically placed apertures in the walls and roof transform into windows, artfully framing the surrounding landscape, ensuring the home is as stunning to look at as it is to look from.

Architect - Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, Toronto, ON, Canada

Structural Engineer - Blackwell Structural Engineers, ON, Canada

General Contractor - HLD Muskoka, Huntsville, ON, Canada

Photography - Riley Snelling Photography, Guelph, ON, Canada

Wood Supplier - HLD Muskoka, Huntsville, ON, Canada

BUNKIE ON THE HILL

The Bunkie on the Hill, tucked into the trees of Muskoka, serves as a peaceful retreat for its owners. Its contemporary reinterpretation of the A-frame cabin features intersecting gables, creating unique window openings and lofty interiors that make the compact space feel expansive. Sustainably sourced and certified wood is central to both the structure and design, with flitch beams—thin steel encased in LVL wood—supporting the large spans, while light wood framing completes the rest. Western red cedar plays a prominent role, cladding the ceilings and soffits, and creating a slatted screen along the entrance walkway. This screen filters changing light throughout the day, casting playful shadows. Inside, the red cedar ceiling adds warmth and texture to the muted palette, paired with white oak floors and maple plywood walls, creating a cozy, lantern-like glow at dusk.

Twice honored during the adjudication process, this remarkable project received a Wood Design Award from WoodWorks Ontario and special recognition with a sponsored award from Western Red Cedar.

619 PONCE

619 Ponce—a four-story office and retail building in Atlanta’s Fourth Ward—is Georgia’s first project to use locally sourced timber and a regional supply chain, all certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s (SFI) standards. Built with Southern yellow pine from the state’s forests, 619 Ponce brought together a collaborative team to design, fabricate, and construct the building with SFI-certified, sustainable materials. By using Georgia-grown timber, the development significantly reduced transportation emissions and supported local businesses and economies.

“This project is an inspiration for what buildings can and should be like moving forward,” says Annie Perkins, Senior Director of Green Building and Supply Chain at the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. It not only sets a new standard in sustainable design but also boosts the regional economy, positioning Atlanta as a leader in the growing “green tech” sector. 619 Ponce serves as a learning model for developers, showcasing the potential for locally sourced mass timber in expanding sustainable construction across the region and beyond.  

“Building with mass timber is one solution that addresses many global challenges facing us today,” Perkins continues. “The reason this project was selected is because it’s a building that supports the region’s urban and rural and economic development, the community, and the natural environment. It’s also a pure joy to be inside.”

Architect - Handel Architects, New York, NY, United States

Structural Engineer - StructureCraft, Abbotsford, BC, Canada

General Contractor - JEDunn, Atlanta, GA, United States

Photography - Jamestown, Atlanta, GA, United States

Wood Supplier - SmartLam, Dothan, AL, United States

GALIEN RIVER RETREAT

Offering a calming escape, Galien River Retreat in New Buffalo, Mich., sits on a bluff overlooking a winding estuary. “The exposed glulam structure blends well with the forest backdrop, creating beautiful and relaxing gathering space,” says Michael Lobodzinki of Sansin. “Balancing this is a minimalist material palette of glazing, polished concrete floors, and Accoya interior and exterior wood cladding protected with Sansin’s Accoya Finishing System.

“At the Galien River Retreat, wood elements define both the structure and spirit, reflecting the natural setting in the design of the home,” says the team at Wheeler Kearns Architects. “The glulam beams extend beyond the walls, forming deep eaves for shade, shelter, and a strong connection to the landscape.”

The linear design follows the land’s crest, with expansive glazing and screening that open to river views and natural surroundings. Balancing modernity and warmth, the home features a flat roof, extended eaves, and a screened porch—affectionately known as the “summer living room.” The exposed glulam beams integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, extending to form a trellis connecting the house and garage. Inside, an open layout flows from kitchen to living areas, leading to a pool terrace and garden.

Wood defines this retreat’s success by fostering a profound connection to nature,” says Lobodzinki. “KP-12UVW protected the wood during the construction phase. The Sansin ENS topcoat provides effective and durable protection. Proactive maintenance is important, and ENS makes it possible.”

Architect - Wheeler Kearns Architects, Chicago, IL, USA

Structural Engineer - Rockey Structures, Chicago, IL, USA

General Contractor - Summit Design + Build, LLC, Chicago, IL, USA

Photography - Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty Photographers, Chicago, IL,USA

Wood Supplier - Western Archrib, Edmonton, Alberta

Architect - DIALOG in collaboration with Smoke Architecture

Structural Engineer - RJC Engineering

General Contractor - EllisDon

Photography - James Brittain

Wood Supplier - Nordic Structures

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE A-BUILDING EXPANSION

The Centennial College A-Building Expansion is a landmark in higher education, blending Indigenous perspectives, sustainability, and modern architecture. As Canada’s first LEED Gold, zero-carbon, WELL-certified mass timber facility, it embodies principles of Truth and Reconciliation, environmental consciousness, and inclusivity. Inspired by the Mi'kmaq concept of "Two-Eyed Seeing," the building integrates Indigenous wisdom with Western design, featuring a dynamic fish-scale façade. The Indigenous Commons, the heart of the building, is framed by mass timber ribs symbolizing the thirteen moon cycles, with light pouring in from above. This space fosters community and ceremonial gatherings. Sustainability is central, with the building using sustainably harvested mass timber, advanced energy-efficient systems, and on-site solar power. Inclusive design features, such as all-gender washrooms and adaptable seating, ensure accessibility for all, setting a new standard for educational infrastructure.

Architect - +VG Architects, Toronto, ON, Canada

Structural Engineer - Stephenson Engineering, a company of Salas O’Brien, Toronto, ON, Canada

General Contractor - Matheson Constructors Limited, Aurora, ON, Canada

Photography - A-Frame, Toronto, ON, Canada

Wood Supplier - Timmerman Timberworks, New Lowell, ON, Canada Jonel Fixture and Supply Inc., Oldcastle, ON, Canada

NEW TECUMSETH MUNICIPAL OFFICES

The New Tecumseth Administration Centre is an adaptive reuse of the former Alliston Union Public School, now serving as the new seat of municipal government and offices for the Town. The design repurposes the core structure of the school while introducing state-of-the-art, energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and IT systems. The building envelope was upgraded for better thermal performance, and new windows enhance interior daylighting. The gymnasium's clear spans were ideal for converting into the new Council Chamber. A central feature is the addition of a new double-height gallery, which features a timber roof. This dramatic space acts as the main organizing element, connecting public meeting spaces, council chambers, and service counters. The wood-and-glass composition evokes a modern loggia, offering views of the community plaza and landscaped park while connecting interior functions.

Architect - Smoke Architecture

Structural Engineer - Arup

General Contractor - Cupido Construction Ltd.

Photography - Francis Fougere

Wood Supplier - Timmerman Timber Works

QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY INDIGENOUS GATHERING SPACE

The Indigenous Gathering Space at Queen’s University is an outdoor classroom inspired by the traditional wakaaiigan (teaching lodge), a bentwood structure clad in birchbark, historically used for knowledge sharing by the Anishinaabeg. Designed collaboratively with Indigenous faculty and advisors, the outdoor-integrated learning space is usable year-round, featuring a central fire and audio-visual capabilities. Insulated rolling doors allow the space to open to the four cardinal directions or be fully enclosed. The curved glulam frame and cedar-clad ribs highlight the warmth and flexibility of wood, with daylight above connecting sky and earth. The landscape integrates Indigenous principles, transforming an old service road into a pedestrian path lined with native plantings and informal learning and seating areas.

Architect - HDR, Toronto/Kingston/Ottawa, Ontario

Structural Engineer - LEA Consulting, Structural Engineer, Toronto, Ontario

General Contractor - Sullivan Chandos - Joint Venture

Photography - Kevin Belanger

Wood Supplier - Nordic Structures, Montreal, Quebec

SCIENCE COLLABORATION CENTRE

The Science Collaboration Centre at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Chalk River campus is a six-storey mass timber building designed to foster collaboration and innovation in nuclear science. Positioned on a cascading site overlooking the Ottawa River Valley, the building bridges east-west and north-south travel between campus facilities and common spaces. A multi-purpose building with flexible, lofted office spaces atop a mix of conference and meeting space levels, the Science Collaboration Centre houses meeting rooms, flex spaces, an auditorium, library space, a rooftop terrace, and a data centre. Using Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), the design process involved close collaboration between architects, engineers, and suppliers to create a resilient, sustainable, forward-thinking, world-class science facility that meets federal requirements for net-zero carbon-ready facilities.

Architect - Mackin Architects Ltd.

Structural Engineer - Weiler Smith Bowers (WSB) Consulting Structural Engineers

General Contractor - Groen Environmental Systems Inc.

Photography - Andrew Latreille - Latreille Architectural Photography

Wood Supplier - Wood Working Kurt Fischer Durfeld Log & Timber

NUXALK MASK, SONG AND DANCE

The Nuxalk After School Childcare Centre, Asmayuusta, reflects Nuxalk cultural values through its extensive use of Western red cedar, a material central to Nuxalk architecture and education. Named after an ancestral learning style, the centre embodies the "3L’s"—Look, Listen, and Love—expressed in traditional Mask, Dance, and Song programs. Sourced sustainably from the Great Bear Rainforest under cultural harvesting permits, the cedar used in construction honors Nuxalk laws, with all parts of the tree incorporated into the building. Cedar’s acoustic properties, durability, and natural preservatives create an ideal learning environment for children. The building’s cedar cladding and trim connect to traditional longhouses, while four cedar poles anchor the structure. Designed in collaboration with the community, the centre is an important cultural hub that blends tradition and modernity in a warm, nurturing space.

Architect - Birmingham & Wood Architects Planners LLP, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Structural Engineer - Fast & Epp, Vancouver, BC, Canada

General Contractor - Kindred Construction, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Photography - Micheal Elkan, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Wood Supplier - Seagate Mass Timber, Coquitlam, BC, Canada

PYRRHA

The Pyrrha project in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant district blends heritage restoration with modern timber construction. As part of a Heritage Revitalization Agreement, the design retains a 1909 single-family home, and adds a six-storey, cross-laminated timber (CLT) tower, that provides over 9,800 square feet of industrial space for the jewelry manufacturer. Mass timber was selected for its sustainability, aesthetics, and ease of construction on the small site with virtually no staging area. The rapid assembly of the CLT structure was crucial to the project's success. The historic house was preserved and repurposed as a showroom, featuring exposed 120-year-old fir rafters and salvaged fir flooring. Between the tower and house, a courtyard with exposed edge grain wood block connects the heritage house and the timber tower.

Architect - hcma architecture + design, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Structural Engineer - Fast + Epp, Vancouver, BC, Canada

General Contractor - Pomerleau, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Photography - Ema Peter, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Wood Supplier - Seagate Mass Timber, Surrey, BC, Canada

ROSEMARY BROWN RECREATION CENTRE

The Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre stands out for its innovative hybrid timber-steel roof, which fills the rinks with natural light without negatively impacting ice quality. Exposed mass timber plays a central role in the design, offering geometric flexibility and creating an inviting atmosphere for both players and spectators. Glulam beams and columns enhance public spaces with their visible warmth and character. The use of wood simplified construction and sped up assembly. In service, the exposed wood also helps naturally regulate indoor humidity, ensuring a stable, comfortable environment. The nail-laminated timber of the lobby’s roof deck improves acoustics, elevating the visitor experience, while the curved timber elements that help shape the clerestories that bring in daylight add a dynamic architectural expression.

Architect - hcma architecture + design, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Structural Engineer - Fast + Epp, Vancouver, BC, Canada

General Contractor - Heatherbrae Builders, Richmond, BC, Canada

Photography - Nic Lehoux, Seattle, WA, USA

Wood Supplier - Kalesnikoff, Castlegar, BC, Canada

təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre

The təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre in New Westminster, BC, features a striking mass timber roof that weaves the building into the landscape, making a bold civic statement while maintaining a human-scale experience. As Canada’s first all-electric aquatic centre to meet the Zero Carbon Building Design Standard, it reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental sensitivity. The standout design feature is the flood of indirect light into the lap pool through north-facing clerestories embedded in the distinctive sawtooth trusses. Despite challenging soil conditions, the use of mass timber—lighter than traditional steel or concrete—enabled an efficient and economical structural solution that also fulfilled the centre’s daylighting ambitions. The prominent use of wood not only enhances the building’s aesthetics but also supports its environmental and functional goals.

Architect - Jonathan Monfries, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Photography - Philam Nguyen, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Wood Supplier - Daren LaBranche, Edmonton, AB, Canada

CANOPY

The CANOPY art installation demonstrates the environmental and structural advantages of wood in public art. Wood was chosen for its low carbon footprint, aesthetic quality, and durability, making it ideal for an installation with a shorter lifespan than surrounding buildings. The design features an interlocking waffle structure made from CNC-milled plywood, utilizing precise slot joinery for a friction-fit assembly, eliminating the need for fasteners. This system reduces material waste and allows for easy disassembly, enabling the installation to be packed flat for storage and reassembly. Timber posts provide structural integrity, while the organic form showcases the unique possibilities of wood in public art. The efficient, reusable design ensures CANOPY’s longevity, allowing it to be reinstalled for various public activations, contributing to the urban landscape for years to come.

Architect - GGA-Architecture, Calgary, AB, Canada

Structural Engineer - LEX3 Engineering, Calgary, AB, Canada

General Contractor - Chandos Construction, Calgary, AB, Canada

Photography - Jason Dziver, Calgary, AB, Canada Mariah Wilson or Mariah Lee Studios, Calgary, AB, Canada

Wood Supplier - Kalesnikoff Lumber Co. Ltd., Castlegar, BC, Canada

OLDS COLLEGE, WERKLUND AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

The renovation and expansion of the James Murray Building transforms a formerly introverted space into a vibrant hub of agribusiness and agronomy innovation. Central to the design is a new atrium, defined by woven glulam beams that evoke the ordered patterns of farming fields. The use of wood, particularly the crossing glulams and Douglas fir GLT decking, brings warmth and a natural aesthetic that reflects the building’s agricultural focus. Clerestory windows flood the atrium with natural light and emphasize the connection between earth and sky. The wood’s acoustic properties ensure the space remains comfortable and inviting, supporting collaboration and learning. This thoughtful use of timber in both structure and design creates a dynamic, open space, enhancing student culture and creating a new heart for the campus.

Architect - Reimagine Architects

Structural Engineer - Fast + Epp

General Contractor - Jen-Col Construction

Photography - Christophe Benard Photography

Wood Supplier - Western Archrib

SADDLE LAKE ONCHAMINAHOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The Onchaminahos Elementary School in Saddle Lake, Alberta, blends mass timber and concrete construction to create a sustainable, culturally meaningful space for the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. This two-storey facility, accommodating 350 students, reflects a deep collaboration with the community, incorporating Cree cultural values and respect for the land into its design. The use of mass timber plays a central role in achieving both aesthetic and structural goals, offering an economical yet visually striking solution. The building features a double-height gymnasium and a single-storey administrative wing, emphasizing openness and flexibility. Wood's natural warmth and sustainability align with the project's commitment to environmental stewardship, creating a school that embodies both tradition and innovation.

Architect - GEC Architecture

Structural Engineer - RJC Engineers

General Contractor - CANA Management Ltd.

Photography - Adrien Williams, Michael Wach

Wood Supplier - Western Arch Rib Ltd.

THE STATION AT COCHRANE CROSSING

The Cochrane Transit Hub, designed as a civic gateway, emphasizes the use of wood to reflect the town’s heritage while serving modern transit needs. Heavy timber glulam beams form the structure’s exposed "bones," offering both aesthetic appeal and functional shelter for transit users. These beams, visible through extensive glazing, cantilever into the north and south plazas, connecting the building to the surrounding public space. The Hub, which unites local and regional transit services, including future rail links, integrates wood as a nod to Cochrane’s history, with the nearby Spray Lake Sawmills playing a key role in the town’s identity. By incorporating wood, brick, and glass, the design ties into Cochrane’s architectural heritage, while fostering a vibrant, accessible civic space that promotes movement and connection.

Architect - 1x1 architecture inc., Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Structural Engineer - KGS Group, WInnipeg MB, Canada

General Contractor - Harris Builders, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Photography - Lisa Stinner Kun Photography

Wood Supplier - Cornerstone Timberframes, Kleefield, Manitoba, Canada Arbor Wood Co., Duluth, Minnesota, United States Boreal Woodwork, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

V RESIDENCE

The V Residence, near Winnipeg, is a warm, wood-focused home for a retired couple moving from rural Manitoba to be closer to family and amenities. The exterior features thermally modified shiplap siding, charred using the Shou Sugi Ban method, reflecting the owners' connection to Japan. Douglas fir glulam beams frame the entry canopy and trellis, while a screened porch with operable screens offers year-round connection to the forest and river. The home contracts and expands with everyday life and is equally comfortable when inhabited by the owners or with large groups of friends and family. Wood from mature trees removed during construction was repurposed for custom stair treads and a live-edge vanity, emphasizing the home’s sustainable approach and deep connection to its natural surroundings.