leləm̓ Community Centre
Francl Architecture
Client: Polygon Homes Ltd.
Reconciliation leləm̓ Community Center, located within the University Endowment Lands on the ancestral territory of the Musqueam people, is a 2-storey 15,000 sf community space at the heart of a new master-planned neighbourhood. It celebrates use of mass timber, integration of Indigenous culture, and a strong identity of community. Theory and Design Principles The design rationale of the community center is to show respect to the land, the community, and sustainability principles. The building was designed around 2 large mature trees celebrating the forest. The architectural massing comprises two interlocking volumes, designed in response to site conditions and building functions. The gymnasium was sunken one meter into the grade minimizing the visual impact on surrounding developments. The building highlights an inviting entry experience and interior visual connection between space. The main lobby, glazed on 3 sides, acts as a beacon for the community and animate the public realm. The large, covered plaza facing the park offers accessible seating opportunities for all age groups. Program and Client The building is at the heart of the vibrant growing neighbourhood, complemented by a childcare facility and a serene 3-acre forest park with a wetland. The building includes an inviting entrance lobby, gymnasium, multipurpose Great Hall, kitchen, conference rooms, offices, a fitness area, and all-gender washrooms. It is organized around a doubleheight entry atrium, highlighted by a feature wood stair, nail-laminated timber (NLT) decking, and glulam beams. The exterior metal cladding draws inspiration from the Musqueam people’s long tradition of weaving, with chevron-shaped ends referencing traditional patterns. Colored glass throughout the building reflects traditional Musqueam First Nation hues. The building design is further complimented by six site-specific artworks by Musqueam artists, celebrating a strong sense of community. Context and Site Set against the Pacific Spirit Park forest, the building’s humble design complements the natural landscape. It incorporates reclaimed site trees into NLT roof panels and preserves two mature trees on-site, demonstrating a deep commitment to sustainability and respect for the natural landscape. Budget and Time Constraints NLT decking was prefabricated in 4 ft × 10 ft sections in the woodshop and delivered to site, enabling fast and efficient construction. During the rainy season, a comprehensive moisture control plan was implemented to protect the mass timber roof structure, maintaining wood moisture level, structural integrity and construction schedule. The construction was completed within two years and remained generally on budget. Innovation Through a collaborative process with the owner, architect, engineers, fabricators, and contractors, the cleared trees from the site were harvested and used as lumber for the mass timber roof decking. Engaging Indigenous artists, the public art budget was distributed across five Musqueam artists, embedding a sense of community through multiple artworks integrated into the lobby, structure and exterior cladding. Sustainability Principles The building showcases strong sustainability commitments using reclaimed wood, all-electric systems connected to a district Passive Energy Loop, sustainable rainwater management via a neighborhood wetland, and net-zero operational carbon emissions for its first five years. It is also on track to achieve LEED Gold certification.