Location: Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Area: 95,000 sq.ft.

This project is conceived as a national facility dedicated to the long-term preservation and management of over 30 million historical and archaeological artefacts. Currently under construction, it establishes a highly controlled environment that ensures the protection, accessibility, and careful stewardship of an extensive cultural collection.

At its core is an advanced vertical storage system designed to house approximately 26 million objects. The system accommodates a wide range of artefact types through specialised units, including textile storage, heavy-duty racks, stainless steel systems for cool storage, and customisable archival solutions. Seismic resilience and precise environmental control underpin the technical performance of the facility.

Beyond storage, the programme includes collections management spaces, a photography studio, a document resource centre, and areas for public access and research. Dedicated spaces also support cultural practices, reflecting ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities.

The architectural expression draws from the qualities of the paper birch, translating its material and symbolic significance into a contemporary form. Clad in light-toned precast elements with subtle vertical articulation, the building integrates with its natural surroundings, while landscaped areas support local biodiversity.

The project functions as a living archive, where climate, culture, and care are brought into a cohesive architectural system.