CRAIGFLOWER COMMUNITY HALL
View Royal, BC

Located by special permission from the Provincial Heritage Branch on the of a colonial farm and manor house, the hall was a project by the Victoria Highland Games Association. The enhancement of the Registered National Historic Site was an underlying intention and guiding principle from the outset. The building consists of a large multi-purpose hall surrounded by ancillary and service spaces. Conceived as a place for hosting a range of events, the geometry is inspired by ancient Scottish circular stone homes and gathering places, as well as the circular and crescent forms of historic local Coast Salish designs.  The shape and siting also harmonize with the curved geometry of the landmark corner site.

The material palette is drawn from historic and regional references and includes heavy timber and mortared stone. The interlocking pattern of the mass-timber roof-structure, references traditional Celtic knots, and features prominently in the ceiling of the main hall. The building is sited to preserve views to the Heritage Registered Manor House from surrounding streets and a bridge and create new views from inside the Hall. The activities that will be hosted here are expected to revitalize the Heritage Park and provide a much-needed community space.

Client: The Victoria Highland Games Association

Consultant Team:

• Landscape: MDI

• Civil: On Point Project Engineers Ltd.

• Structural: Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.

• Geotechnical: Ryzuk Geotechnical

• Mechanical: Avalon Mechanical Consultants Ltd.

• Electrical: AES Engineering

• Environmental: Swell Environmental Consulting

Photo Credits: Sama Jim Canzian