Yuneŝit’in Health Centre

The Yuneŝit’in Health Centre is located in the Cariboo Chilcotin near Williams Lake, BC.

Yuneŝit’in villages were by defined by simple wood constructions of Douglas Fir, a tree characteristic of the Chilcotin River Valley. The constructions were characterized by a central gathering area defined by a simple frame and protected by two wood walls constructed of poles placed side by side.

The main feature of the Health Centre is the Community Gathering Space, which like its traditional counterpart is defined by closely spaced Douglas Fir glulam timbers supporting a large scale sheltering roof. The underside of the roof is clad in douglas fir both in and outdoors. The clinical wing of the building is  wood frame construction with prefabricated wood trusses. Millwork and doors throughout the facility are edge grain Douglas Fir.

In keeping with Yuneŝit’in values the Yuneŝit’in Health Center was designed with sustainability, integrity and respect for the Yuneŝit’in traditional lifestyle. The climate in the Chilcotin River valley is mainly heating dominated but also has months of 30+ degree high dry spells.

In response to the local climate offices in the health centre are placed on the south façade to allow natural daylight in. To reduce solar heat gain in the summer the roof extends to create a covered walkway along the south façade.

Energy efficient LED lights were used throughout the building to supplement natural daylighting when required. The mechanical system is an economical energy efficient hybrid heating and cooling air-to-air heat pump system with supplemental high-efficiency furnaces for the winter. When compared to conventional building systems it is estimated that the insulated wood structure of the health centre will be 60% more energy efficient and annually reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 28 tons of CO2.