By Healthcare Facilities Today

Batchewana First Nations Health Facility recognized for use of wood framing and structural timber construction received a Wood Design Award for the use of wood in construction at the 13th annual Wood WORKS! celebration in Toronto, according to an article on the Soo Today website.

“There are many reasons for the increased use of wood in contemporary architecture,” said Marianne Berube, executive director of the Ontario Wood WORKS! project. People understand and appreciate wood’s environmental benefits and, in many applications, designers and developers are also reporting significant time and cost savings, the article said.

The Batchewana Health Facility, designed by EPOH Inc., reflects the customs and heritage of the Ojibway people.

The traditional longhouse forms the conceptual framework for this project, the article said. A large, central atrium is a linear accent for the building, with entries at each end as with a traditional longhouse. The atrium’s structure is formed by a repetition of angled, glue-laminated timber columns and beams.

Read the article.