PROJECT OVERVIEW

At Okanagan College’s citxʷ kl snmymyaʔtn (“Home for School”) student residence, architecture becomes a celebration of culture, learning, and place.

The mass timber student housing building combines sustainable structural systems with a design that reflects the traditions of the Syilx/Okanagan people. One of the most striking features is the presence of totem poles, which stand as powerful cultural markers welcoming students and visitors to the residence.

Constructed with mass timber systems, the building introduces warmth, natural materials, and a sense of belonging to campus life. The exposed timber structure reinforces a connection to the surrounding landscape while supporting sustainable, low-carbon construction.

Together, the totem poles, Indigenous cultural elements, and mass timber architecture create a student residence that is more than housing, it is a place where culture, education, and community meet.