Tsow-Tun Le Lum Helping House

The Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society is a non-profit supported by and serving the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish Peoples of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society provides culturally based programs to address the existing and growing issues within these communities, such as substance abuse and addiction, as well as the trauma experienced by survivors of oppression and residential schools. With a mission to strengthen the ability of First Nations people to live healthy, happy lives, the Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society envisions a future where community members take pride in their native identities.   

Williams Engineering (WE) was retained to provide structural and electrical engineering services for a new building to house the Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society’s Helping House. The structural design of the building presented significant challenges with the existing soil conditions and high seismicity on site. A floating raft slab was designed to accommodate the poor soil conditions and the possibility of liquefaction during a seismic event. The structure above the foundation is a combination of traditional wood framing with several exposed mass timber areas of the building. The gymnasium, dining room, spiritual room, open atrium office area and front entrance all feature exposed mass timber construction. Two mass timber trusses form the front entrance of the building with plans to incorporate totems into the log columns sourced from cleared trees on the site. Mass timber elements were also used throughout the building to accommodate larger spans. The building is composed of three sections, each with an interior courtyard to house residential accommodations, offices, gathering and meeting spaces and administrative offices. 

Detailed design of a full fire suppression system will also be provided, including detailed sprinkler hydraulic design for the facility’s Building Permit submission and construction. Working drawings for power, communications, lighting and life safety systems will be provided by WE’s electrical team in coordination with BC Hydro, Telus and Shaw for site service connections. Rough-in design for vehicle charging stations and security, telephone, television and data systems will also be provided. 

This new facility provides an opportunity for Indigenous Peoples to live their lives in balance, embracing their cultural background and strengthening their connections to their nation. With high hopes for the future, the Tsow-Tun Le Lum Helping House will lead wellness movements and embrace challenges while also taking part in creating sustainable outcomes for future generations.

To learn more, visit RBM Architecture’s website to watch their process: TTLL — Building Our New Healing Home