The Tseshaht Tribal Multiplex is located on the Tseshaht Reserve outside of Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, BC. As a community facility, it is home to the Tribal Administration, Health Centre, community and cultural programming, a museum, and also displays Tseshaht art and artifacts. The project has recently been completed and an Opening Ceremony was held in October 2007.

The building is situated in a prominent location, as it appears to be suspended over a rock outcropping, and is partially cantilevered over the Somass River. Construction materials are predominantly rock, heavy timber, post and beam, and glass, which allows generous amounts of light to filter throughout the building. The wood for the post and beam was harvested from Tseshaht lands near the site, and construction was carried out under Construction Management. Design and construction utilized all available and practical sustainable principles to achieve LEED™ rating.Funding and Development Process Review were provided by the Department of Northern and Indian Affairs and Health Canada.

AWARDS:

2008 Canadian Wood Council - Award of Excellence, Institutional category.

2008 Vancouver Island Real Estate Board - Award of Excellence, Institutional/Community category.

2008 Vancouver Island Real Estate Board - Award for Best Building overall.

FEATURES:

• Sustainable construction technologies utilizing 100% wood, engineered wood and other value added wood materials and finishes without toxic emissions.

• Building envelope and mechanical systems designed for low energy consumption and low maintenance costs.

• Project Delivery involving development of all designs in close cooperation during design meetings with all user groups of the community.

• Built under construction management contract, with local band labor, using timber harvested from Tseshaht lands.