Mass timber interior leads immersive exhibition space design

Sam Centre in Calgary, a year-round immersive experience centre, is a showcase of mass timber and hybrid steel construction.

Designed by Diamond Schmitt, the 2,787-m² (30,000-sf) structure uses a repetitive hybrid steel frame with mass timber beams. The central architectural feature is known as “the lantern.”

Sam Centre features a linear volume with a large horizontal pitched roof and large overhanging soffits. The exterior is clad in horizontal terracotta panels in Stampede red.

The centre also features long wooden eaves that will keep the building cool in summer and warm in winter.