The PCPH project highlights the advantages of prefabricated mass timber as a practical strategy for delivering a complex waterfront building efficiently. Early coordination between the architects, Kalesnikoff Mass Timber, and Naikoon Contracting Ltd. allowed structural components and construction details to be carefully planned before assembly began. Digital modeling and an iterative pre-construction process helped minimize on-site complications, while prefabrication protected the exposed timber surfaces during construction. This coordinated approach enabled the primary superstructure to be completed in only six weeks, demonstrating how prefabricated timber systems can shorten construction schedules without compromising architectural expression. The result is an efficient, durable, and low-carbon building that showcases the potential of modern timber prefabrication.
The Oceanfront Squamish Presentation Centre & Public House (PCPH) acts as an important public connection to the waterfront, opening directly toward the surrounding parkland and the waters of Howe Sound. Generous areas of glazing strengthen the relationship between the building and its natural setting, bringing daylight and expansive views deep into the interior. Conceived as a year-round destination, PCPH provides a place for people to gather while celebrating Squamish culture, the local community, and regional craftsmanship. At the heart of the building, a prominent House Post commissioned by the client and hand-carved by Squamish Nation master carver Xwalacktun reflects the project's strong connection to the land, history, and Indigenous heritage.
Flexible Presentation Centre
The Presentation Centre is organized around an open and adaptable floor plan that can accommodate a variety of activities. The interior includes an entertaining zone, multiple work areas, and a balcony overlooking the primary presentation space. Large windows frame views of the landscape while creating a visual connection between the different areas of the building. This flexible arrangement allows the centre to respond to changing needs while maintaining an open and welcoming atmosphere.
Connected to the centre is the Public House, incorporating both a brewery and restaurant. Its interiors are planned around a relaxed dining experience with direct sightlines toward Oceanfront Park and Howe Sound. The restaurant extends onto two distinct patios, giving visitors several opportunities to enjoy the outdoor setting. At the same time, generous indoor seating ensures the venue can operate comfortably throughout the year, including during poor weather. Glass guardrails, carefully considered planting, and retractable enclosure systems help establish sheltered outdoor spaces that are quieter and protected from wind.
Collaborative Design and Construction
The project was developed through a highly integrated design and construction process from its earliest stages. Close cooperation with Kalesnikoff Mass Timber and Naikoon Contracting Ltd. allowed the project team to continually refine the design while preparing for construction. Digital coordination, regular communication, and iterative pre-construction reviews helped align the various components of the project.
Naikoon Contracting Ltd. also implemented an on-site prefabrication strategy that helped protect the exposed mass timber components during construction. This approach improved efficiency while minimizing the risk of damage to the finished structural surfaces. As a result, the project's main superstructure was assembled and completed in only six weeks.
Mass Timber and Low-Carbon Construction
Mass timber is central to PCPH, serving not only as the building's structural system but also as one of its defining architectural features. The project incorporates approximately 85 m3 of Douglas Fir glulam and 501 m3 of spruce-fir-pine (SPF) cross-laminated timber (CLT). The wood was harvested within 100 miles of Kalesnikoff's factory in the Kootenays, reinforcing the project's emphasis on regional sourcing and responsible material use.
The timber structure is estimated to store approximately 602 metric tonnes of carbon. The building was designed to achieve BC Step Code 3 performance and combines its timber construction with solar panels, substantial insulation, and high-performance windows and glazing systems. Together, these strategies create a prefabricated, low-carbon building model that challenges more conventional approaches to architectural design and construction.
Celebrating British Columbia Wood
Highlighting British Columbia's timber resources was one of the project's fundamental design objectives. Wood is celebrated throughout both the exterior and interior, with structural elements intentionally left visible wherever practical. This architectural approach was established early in the design process and remained a consistent priority through construction and completion.
The close partnership with Kalesnikoff played an important role in realizing this vision. By combining regional materials, mass timber technology, prefabrication, and expressive architectural detailing, PCPH demonstrates the potential of British Columbia wood in contemporary construction. The project contributes to a broader movement toward sustainable architecture that is closely connected to its local environment and cultural context.
Natural and locally sourced materials also contribute to the building's biophilic character, creating an interior environment that feels connected to the surrounding landscape. The resulting space is designed to be comfortable, breathable, and durable, with the potential to remain useful well beyond the original life of the Presentation Centre.
Looking ahead, PCPH is intended to return to the Squamish community, where the building can continue to serve as a setting for gatherings, cultural activities, and community events. In this way, the project extends beyond its original commercial and presentation functions, establishing a lasting public resource rooted in the landscape, materials, and heritage of Squamish.
Oceanfront Squamish PCPH Design Framework
The Presentation Centre & Public House combines waterfront openness, flexible programming, expressive mass timber, regional materials, and community-focused architecture.
Waterfront Connection
Generous glazing opens the building toward Oceanfront Park and Howe Sound, bringing daylight, views, and the surrounding landscape into the interior.
Flexible Interior
An adaptable presentation centre accommodates entertaining, work areas, gatherings, and changing community or commercial requirements.
Mass Timber Expression
Douglas Fir glulam and SPF cross-laminated timber provide structural performance while keeping the character of British Columbia wood visible throughout the architecture.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
The Public House connects indoor seating with two patios, protected outdoor areas, planting, and views toward the waterfront.
Regional Identity
Local materials, Squamish cultural references, craftsmanship, and a hand-carved House Post reinforce the project's connection to place.
Low-Carbon Strategy
Mass timber, regional sourcing, solar panels, insulation, and high-performance glazing contribute to the project's environmental strategy.
Mass Timber and Low-Carbon Construction
PCPH uses mass timber as both a structural system and a defining architectural material, supported by regional sourcing and energy-conscious building strategies.
From Presentation Centre to Community Resource
PCPH was conceived as more than a commercial presentation venue. Its flexible spaces, public-house functions, cultural references, and waterfront setting give the building potential for a longer community life.
Oceanfront Setting
Direct relationships with Oceanfront Park and Howe Sound make landscape and water fundamental parts of the visitor experience.
Flexible Programming
Presentation areas, work zones, entertaining spaces, dining, patios, and balcony spaces support different patterns of occupation.
Squamish Identity
The hand-carved House Post and emphasis on regional craftsmanship connect the architecture to local history and Indigenous heritage.
