The Indigenous house located at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus draws inspiration from the wigwam. It rests on gradually sloping land, offering  views of the surrounding ravine. This building will flow directly into the surrounding environment through its viewing platforms, gathering spaces and the landscaping.

The Indigenous House is an important element in creating inclusive spaces for all in the community, where Indigenous people, particularly Indigenous students, will be able to gather and feel that they belong. With a focus on Indigenous scholarship and the revitalization of endangered Indigenous languages, providing spaces for learning and Indigenous focused research together with social connection, reflection, and ceremony.

With insulated roofs and central campfires built within foundations of rock to retain heat, while a birchbark air shaft allows for fresh air to circulate throughout, the indigenous House combines a heavily insulated outer shell with the geothermal benefits of earth tubes. The building’s fresh air will pass through a concrete totem intake and flow through a series of underground air tubes to help moderate temperatures. Instead of conventional smoke detectors, there will be sensors that detect heat to enable the cultural practice of smudging throughout the building.