Métis Crossing and Accoya® Wood

Métis Crossing and Accoya® Wood 

The Métis people are a distinct Indigenous nation with their own customs, language and traditions. from the unions of European fur traders and First Nations women, who through the generations have formed a uniquely distinct cultural identity.

The Métis Crossing Gathering Center is a place for Métis people to share their Indigenous history with the world, as well as a place of reflection, reconnection, and education. It is the premier destination for Alberta’s Métis people, built to meet the increasing demand for Indigenous cultural experiences and create a facility to celebrate the Métis people in Canada.

The Project:

The Crossing was a collaborative effort between the Métis people and the design team to create an expansive gathering space. The cultural center is inviting and seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape. Natural timber columns frame the exterior, and a large deck provides a beautiful transitional element between the building and the natural elements beyond.

The space is flexible, inviting, and coherent with the natural landscape. Towering wood columns frame the south-facing exterior, sheltering the large 300-person deck and providing a transitional element between the building’s interior and surrounding landscape. The siding of the Gathering Center artfully utilizes Accoya® Wood, as do the sunshades and vertical fins throughout the building’s structure.

Why Accoya®?  

Accoya® Wood is a natural product that perfectly conforms to the values of sustainability and performs to the ethical and environmental standards of this project. Its strength, weather-resistance, and low-maintenance make Accoya® the ideal natural finish to the Métis Crossing exterior. Accoya® Wood was the perfect choice as once easily stained it matched the rest of the building façade. The sunshade and roof support were created using Accoya® to support the roof and cover the deck.

Accoya® Wood withstands the elements in all its applications, staying dimensionally stable and beautiful despite the moisture, wind, and sunshine.

Project: Métis Crossing Gathering Center

Location: Métis Crossing, Alberta

Date of Project: 2018-2019

Architect: Manasc Isaac (now Reimagine Architects), Edmonton, AB

General Contractor: GenMec ACL Inc

Products Used: Accoya® Wood

Photo Credit: Cooper + O’Hara

Website: Métis Crossing