Fraser Mills Presentation Centre

As a showcase for innovative mass timber systems, the Presentation Centre at Fraser Mills uses cutting-edge engineering, computational design and an experienced team of carpenters to create a welcoming space for the larger development.

Structurally, the project is expressed with a sweeping, ruled roof surface that runs through each of the 26 unique glulam frames. These frames span up to 70ft between short, cantilevered glulam columns and a pair of up to 33ft high splayed columns. A complex geometry results from the unique angle of each frame, requiring softwares such as Rhino, Grasshopper & Karamba to rationalize the geometry into something which could be manufactured out of simple plywood and sawn purlins.

Likely the first mass timber project to utilize cantilevered glulam columns as the lateral system in British Columbia, the Center uses locally sourced Douglas Fir for all timber elements. With all manufacturing and pre-fabrication completed within 500 miles of the site, it makes for a truly unique local success story.