Gjoa Haven, NU
Completed in 2025

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The expansion of the Nattilik Heritage Centre was prompted by the discovery of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. The addition is designed to host a world class exhibition of the 1845 Franklin Expedition, while continuing to showcase Nattilik Inuit history and culture for an increasing number of visitors. 

The Nattilik Heritage Centre is an iconic building in Gjoa Haven. This project was tasked with expanding the centre in an aligned and complementary way, without detracting from the original building. The addition maintains the architectural vernacular of the existing facility, taking an octagonal form. The sloped roofline and differentiated massing offer a new dynamic element, while remaining compatible and respectful to the existing facility. 

The new wing includes an exhibit area, an oral history room, collections storage space, an art room and makerspace, offices and service areas, and a multipurpose room that is reconfigurable for a range of uses.

A central component of the overall project was the thoughtful design of the exhibits themselves. This work involved extensive consultation with Inuit knowledge keepers, alongside a team of specialized consultants. From an architectural and engineering perspective, the environment in the display and collections spaces needed to be carefully controlled and stabilized. The design team took a delicate and fine-tuned approach to ensuring that the display and collections spaces in this compact facility would be robustly protected from the High Arctic climate and construction conditions.

The connection point between the addition and existing building is a new entryway, which includes a public reception area and gift shop, plus a space for removing and storing winter gear. This configuration creates an opportunity for a welcoming, open, naturally lighted reception area, without affecting the environment within the adjacent exhibit spaces.