In Part 3 of our series with naturally:wood, we continue our journey through British Columbia to explore the regions of Squamish, Whistler, and the Kootenays. Known for world-class ski resorts, dramatic mountain ranges, and deep cultural heritage, these areas showcase how mass timber can be used to create sacred spaces, museums, and landmarks.
Join us as we travel from the quiet lakeside town of Nelson to the peaks of Squamish, learning about the innovation of mass timber and the rich history of the First Nations building typologies in the region.
What we cover in this episode:
Temple of Light, Kootenay Bay: Designed by Patkau Architects, this sacred space features eight glulam arches that form a “lotus flower” silhouette. Built on the original footings of a previous temple, it demonstrates a strategy of minimal site impact and prefabrication.
Audain Art Museum, Whistler: A “black spaceship” nestled in the forest by Patkau Architects. Elevated to protect against flooding, the building uses hemlock lining and glulam to create a sophisticated, minimalist backdrop for art and nature.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler: A collaborative project between the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations designed by First Nations architect Alfred Waugh. It features modern interpretations of traditional pit houses and longhouses in a dynamic centre for storytelling.
Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish: A mass timber building by RLA Architects located at “sky level”. The structure was brought up by helicopters and logging tracks, using CNC-routed glulam that fit together like a Meccano set to minimise site works in a sensitive environment.
Learn More
naturally:wood: https://www.naturallywood.com/
Temple of Light: https://www.naturallywood.com/projects/temple-of-light/
Audain Art Museum: https://www.naturallywood.com/projects/audain-art-museum/
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre: https://www.naturallywood.com/projects/squamish-lilwat-cultural-centre/
Sea to Sky Gondola: https://www.naturallywood.com/projects/sea-to-sky-gondola/
Featuring
@spearheadca
@AlfredHorieConstruction
@yasodharaashram
@BCPassiveHouse
@audainartmuseum
@squamishlilwatculturalcentre
@FormlineArchitecture
@rjcengineers5544
@seatoskygondolasquamish
@rlaarchitects128
source
