Blending Culture, Community,
and Sustainability
Tsleil-Waututh Nation Administration & Health Centre
The Tsleil-Waututh Administration and Health Centre is a landmark facility located in North Vancouver, BC, serving as the central hub for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s governance, administration, health, and community services.
Completed in 2019, this 31,000 ft2 building embodies the Nation’s values of sustainability, cultural identity, and connection to the natural environment. Designed with a distinctive undulating roofline inspired by the Tsleil-Waututh people’s deep connection to the sea, the facility integrates locally sourced wood, including Douglas-fir glulam beams and nail-laminated timber panels, to create a structure that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
At the heart of the building is a multi-purpose Gathering Space, which serves as the Council Chamber and a community event area. The Centre also houses the ćećǝwǝt lelǝm Helping House, offering holistic, culturally safe health and wellness services to support the well-being of the Tsleil-Waututh community.
The facility was designed with a strong focus on energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, integrating passive design strategies, energy recovery systems, and natural ventilation to minimize its carbon footprint.
Results
Focal conducted an energy modelling analysis for the Tsleil-Waututh Administration and Health Centre, focusing on a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to assess its long-term energy performance and sustainability. As part of our work, we provided a comparison to the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Energy Cost Budget model, evaluating the building’s energy performance relative to industry standards and sustainability objectives.
The building features an innovative combination of hydronic baseboard heating, radiant panels, radiant slab heating, energy recovery, and natural ventilation, with selective cooling incorporated to enhance occupant comfort. Additionally, the complex lighting systems and unique timber structure were designed to integrate cultural and environmental priorities.
Our work contributed to the development of a high-performance, environmentally responsible space that aligns with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s commitment to sustainability and community well-being
Quick Stats
YVR
Location
2017
Year Modelled
31,000
Square Feet
Client
Forestry Innovation Investment
Project Team
Owner: Tsleil-Waututh First Nation
Architect: Lubor Trubka Associates Architects
Structural Engineer: Fast+Epp
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