ACAW Trust Fund
Nature and structure in harmony
home to the Alberta Carpenters and Allied Workers Union, was designed as both a legacy project and a functional workplace. The union’s leadership sought to create a space that would serve its members with dignity, particularly during critical moments when they access benefits and support.
who - Heartland alliance
When - 2015
where - Strathcona county
what - HOUSE OF WORSHIP
As an admin building for health and life insurance programs, the design needed to be more than an office—it had to be welcoming and meaningful. In an aging industrial area with no greenery, it transformed the site with natural materials and a serene half-acre courtyard.
A defining feature is the use of mass timber, honoring the carpenters’ craft. Exposed wood beams replace steel and concrete, adding warmth and connection. The timber atrium anchors the space, with offices and meeting rooms facing the courtyard. A natural stone facade offers a sense of permanence, contrasting the light-filled interior. The blend of materials creates a space that’s both solid and inviting.
36000 m2
size
the approach
Architecturally, the design embraces natural light and the expressive qualities of wood. A striking butterfly roof angles upward, allowing sunlight to filter through glass panels set between wooden beams. The sloped columns and ceilings enhance the sense of openness, while the wood itself glows under the changing light throughout the day. This interplay of structure and nature creates a workspace that is not only sustainable and energy-efficient but also deeply connected to the union’s values and the well-being of its members.