Helping support a growing northern community
The College of New Caledonia (CNC), a post-secondary institution in Prince George, British Columbia, is a major community resource with a strong relationship to local Indigenous communities. After identifying a need for an Indigenous student housing building, CNC engaged our team to provide architectural and engineering design services to bring the facility to life.
Throughout the design process, we developed a relationship with Indigenous education stakeholders and community Elders who were essential for insight into cultural values in preliminary planning and design phases. The building is designed to provide housing for 12 Indigenous students from nearby communities, as well as a private suite for an Elder. Programmed into the building is a cultural space for social activities on the ground floor. Overall, the design is influenced by regional geographies and the history of the Lheidi T’enneh people. To promote sustainable design in a cold climate, the building includes significant performative aspects to reach Step Code 4 designation, such as the implementation of insulative materials and a tight building envelope that exceeds passive house requirements and reduces thermal energy demand intensity.
The Nahoonai-a building celebrates and honors elements of Indigenous cultural heritage while supporting student development of necessary life skills that will continuously support the growing northern community.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- College of New Caledonia
Mark Travis, Principal
Success is in relationships and understanding client needs; in making uniquely tailored environments, with every detail well thought out.
Jason Sedar, Associate, Project Manager
Create amazing spaces for people first and design buildings second.
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