Métis Crossing Cultural Gathering Centre Case Study

November 3, 2022

WoodWORKS! Alberta recently published a case study on the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in the province. The Métis Crossing Cultural Gathering Centre is a premier destination for Métis cultural education and public gatherings. Timber was a natural choice for the primary structural material, given its long history of use in traditional Métis construction practices.

From the study: ‘Métis Crossing Cultural Gathering Centre is a stunning structure that integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern materials, designed to engage and excite visitors through an exploration of Métis cultural experiences. By creating a structure to unify these experiences, the architects also established a more tangible connection to the modern Métis identity.
The butterfly-shaped roof presented a unique challenge for the design team as this area was intended to be entirely column-free while spanning 47 feet across the hall. To achieve the long spans needed with readily available solid timber lengths, Fast + Epp developed a unique truss system which allowed the timber chords to be discontinuous in the middle at the low point of the roof. The truss shape is intended to mimic the infinity symbol of Métis culture.’

Download the case study here.