The Tsawwassen First Nation Elders Centre is a purpose-built, two-storey community facility part of the broader renewal of the Blue Heron Way precinct. The new 10,500 sq. ft. building provides a permanent, resilient home for Elders’ programs, cultural gatherings, and community support activities, reflecting the Nation’s commitment to long-term stewardship, accessibility, and intergenerational connection.

The building incorporates expressive forms—sloped columns, long roof cantilevers, and exposed timber elements—to create a light, welcoming presence. Required to meet post-disaster requirements, the facility serves as a community refuge and will remain safe and operational following a major seismic event.

A key project challenge was the site’s geotechnical condition, with soils prone to liquefaction. RJC worked with the design team to implement ground improvement measures and a reinforced slab-on-grade system that allowed the use of shallow foundations while maintaining structural performance and constructability.

Another significant challenge arose from the architectural use of sloped columns, which introduced gravity-induced lateral demand irregularities that are typically restricted in post-disaster structures. To address this, RJC developed an advanced seismic design solution incorporating a self-centering friction damper brace system. Extensive non-linear time-history analysis was performed to validate the approach, and the design was independently peer reviewed by a panel of seismic experts, ensuring compliance, resilience, and confidence for the Owner.

Additional complexity included long roof cantilevers supporting a heavy timber roof with a “floating” perimeter expression. RJC integrated concealed structural steel within layered timber framing to achieve the desired architectural appearance while maintaining efficient load paths and seismic performance. A panelized roof system was also developed to streamline erection and support construction sequencing.

A key challenge arose from the use of sloped columns, which introduce gravity-induced lateral demand (GILD) irregularities and are typically restricted in post-disaster structures due to additional lateral forces generated during seismic events. To resolve this conflict without compromising the architectural vision, RJC designed an innovative lateral system using a self-centering friction damper brace approach. The system employs strategically placed tension and compression braces supplied by Tectonus, providing enhanced seismic resilience by limiting residual drift and allowing the structure to re-center after a major earthquake.

To validate this non-conventional approach, RJC undertook advanced non-linear time-history seismic analysis, demonstrating that the system met performance objectives within the Canadian seismic context. The design was independently peer reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts, including academic specialists, providing an additional layer of assurance to the Owner and Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

Additional structural ingenuity was required to realize the building’s roof design. The architectural vision called for generous cantilevers and a “floating” roof expression with a continuous exposed timber soffit. RJC developed layered framing solutions that combined heavy timber elements with concealed structural steel, allowing loads to be efficiently transferred without interrupting the visual continuity of the soffit.

Through close collaboration, technical rigor, and a practical, buildable mindset, RJC helped deliver a resilient, culturally significant Elders Centre that meets both present-day needs and future aspirations. The completed facility reflects a careful integration of architectural expression, seismic innovation, and long-term performance—providing the Tsawwassen First Nation with a durable community asset designed to serve Elders safely and with dignity for generations to come.