Thunder Woman Healing Lodge is a 6-storey, 18,000 sq. ft, transitional housing and healing facility that demonstrates how mass timber can support culturally grounded, community-focused transitional housing while advancing sustainable design.
The project combines Indigenous healing lodge programming with transitional housing for formerly incarcerated Indigenous women under one roof. The building features a hybrid structural system of cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor and roof panels, Glulam beams and columns, integrated an innovative mix of precast concrete and steel.
Mass Timber Plays Central Role in Design
Mass timber plays a central role in the project’s structural and architectural design. CLT panels were prefabricated off-site and delivered to the project in sequence, allowing crews to install major structural elements rapidly and efficiently. This panelized approach accelerated the construction schedule, reduced site disruption, and ensured high levels of precision during assembly.
Early Coordination Enabled Optimized Structural System
Early coordination between the architect, engineers, contractor, and mass timber specialists enabled the structural system to be optimized for manufacturing, logistics, and installation. The project team used an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach to align design intent, structural performance, and construction sequencing, demonstrating how collaborative project models can improve efficiency and reduce risk in complex mid-rise developments.
Guided by Indigenous teachings about environmental stewardship, the building incorporates sustainable design strategies including bio-based materials, a high-performance envelope, and geothermal energy systems. Once complete Thunder Woman Healing Lodge will provide healing beds, transitional housing units, and community programming spaces designed to support restoration, reintegration, and long-term independence for Indigenous women.
