The Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation (KHFN) is located on Gilford Island at Gwayasdums Village, along the central coast of BC. The island is approximately 30km northeast of Port McNeill and is accessible only by boat or float plane. The village has a rich history, and a new building will be placed next to the existing Big House on the shore of water over looking. The form and structure of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis Health + Administration was derived from the traditional Big Houses in Gwayasdums Village, and with construction now underway it is scheduled to be completed in January 2022. The Architect will share his values and goals to assist First Nations with their cultural revival while providing a built environment that reflects the community’s unique identity; and designing a highly energy efficient, durable building with a low carbon footprint with minimal impact on the environment. Highlighted in this case study is the collaboration of the Architect and local manufacturer to design into the project aesthetically attractive and naturally durable Western Red Cedar engineered panels – and further explore how the Silva Panel™ was a perfect building material choice for this project, from its salvage from CSA/PEFC Certified Forests, through value-added manufacturing, to ease of installation and zero waste on the job site, and for its performance and durability in extreme environments.

The story behind the Building on a Bluff, a small remote cabin on the West Coast of British Columbia is one of close collaboration between the designers, timber frame manufacturer, structural engineer, and builder-client. As with many Osburn/Clarke projects, the cabin is located on a rugged, off-grid, and primarily boat-accessed site; however, the team-based approach to the detailing, coordination, and construction is what sets it apart. While its footprint is minimal – totalling less than 1250 square feet – the project presented the team with a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding the logistics of the build, which informed the design from the outset. The choice of an exposed timber-frame system gives the building a quintessentially West Coast Modern character, while its hybrid design with a steel substructure and conventional in-fill framing allowed for a flexible, phased approach to the construction. Through the shared lens of the designers and the timber frame manufacturer, we will share how this building on a bluff was developed from preliminary sketches to its current phase of construction, and beyond.

1. Understand the challenges of designing for and building on a remote island site
2. Recognize the value of a collaborative approach to the design, execution, and construction of such a project
3. Understand First Nations cultural revival while providing a built environment that reflects the community’s unique identity
4. Learn about designing a highly energy efficient, durable building with a low carbon footprint and building materials, with minimal impact on the environment.