Benbowopka Treatment Centre

Project Type

first-nations

Project Size

17,900SF

Completion Date

2021

Location

Blind River, Ontario

Benbowopka Treatment Centre bases their treatment on traditional teachings and connection to the land. The design of the facility reflects this through its orientation, materiality, and the spatial organization. The 17,900sf Centre is divided into six (6) main programs; administration, intake and assessment, feasting, traditional teaching, residences, and commons. Residences have been organized into four separate wings or ‘clans’. Each clan provides users with their own room and shared common area for traditional learning.

The Centre is situated on a naturally forested site along the shores of Lake Huron.

Key Features

Traditional Orientation

Building users enter the building from the east and are welcomed into traditional teaching and gathering spaces.

Materiality

Heavy timber and exposed wood finishes provide connection to the natural environment and lend to the creation of a warm and welcoming environment.

Connection to the Land

Building form and orientation support connection between the interior and exterior environment

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Services Rendered

3D Modelling + Animations

Architectural Design

Cost Analysis

Feasibility Studies

Functional Space Programming

3D Modelling + Animations

Development of three dimensional imagery and animations to visually communicate with our clients.

Architectural Design

We offer comprehensive design services ranging from schematic design, design development, construction document to contract administration for new builds, additions and renovation projects. Our studio has a continuous presence throughout the project; from concept to completion.

Cost Analysis

Our studio develops cost analysis to support programming, feasibility studies, design and general review services. We prepare order of magnitude cost estimates that reference a library of unit costs and construction methods to identify the cost of the project and quantify the scope of work. Our cost analyses is led by our in house professional quantity surveyors - we use real construction cost data that has been collected over thirty years of practice

Feasibility Studies

Feasibility studies use a variety of strategies; programming, master planning building condition audits, cost analysis, etc., to verify that a project is viable.

Functional Space Programming

Functional space programming develops a detailed list of interior and exterior spaces required to support a project. Programming is focused on quantifying spaces, developing the overall size of building or site and identifying ideal relationships between spaces. This process guides the development of the project.

Parameters

Connection to the land
Connection to traditional teachings
Creation of shared educational and cultural commons

Solutions

Connection to the landscape is achieved through various strategies including materiality, sightlines, and programmatic connection. Large windows connect the interior space to the surrounding forest, lake, courtyards, and healing / medicine gardens while heavy timber construction and exposed wood finishes echo the natural environment
Building form and program in alignment with traditional teachings including the provision of an east facing building entry and outdoor access from all educational and cultural common spaces
Building form and program align with traditional teachings including providing an east-facing building entry and outdoor access from all educational and cultural common spaces
Educational and cultural commons are large enough for participation of all residents in gatherings