One of the most striking features of the architecture of the new building are the great wooden beams that form the structure. Visitors to the site are astonished to learn that these beams are made of millions of small pieces of the local Black Spruce, laminated and bent in the Nordic factory in Chibougoumou. The beautiful golden colour of the beams wherever they are exposed will be one of the design elements that create the personality of the building. This is one feature that relates back to the inspiration for Douglas Cardinal’s architectural design, a traditional Cree dwelling, a “sabtuan”.
When the roof beams with their distinctive curve were first delivered to the site, they were stacked on one side of the building structure in two sets. Local excitement was immediately apparent. Had the “golden arches” finally come to Ouje?
Stephen Inglis