Berry Architecture renovated and re-purposed an existing vacant building into a Cultural Centre for the Stoney Nakoda Nation in Big Horn, Alberta. Our first task was to complete a full building assessment to see if the building could still be an asset to the community if it were renovated and, if so, how it could be re-purposed. We found that the building was structurally sound, but required several architectural, mechanical, and electrical upgrades to bring it up to the current codes.

The intent of the re-purposing was to provide support spaces that enable the community to enhance and practice their culture. After a complete renovation, the facility now provides a home for several cultural and community functions, including: band administration offices, a new Elders’ Room, an RCMP community liaison office, and various Community Health spaces, such as therapy rooms and a dental suite. In addition to these functions, we have also provided rooms for their Daycare Centre and Head Start programs. The basement was made barrier free via a lift and now has a multi-functional hall, complete with kitchen. This lower level is used primarily for programming, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts classes, cultural dance lessons, traditional and healthy-eating cooking classes, and life skills classes.