The design concept for the Pauquachin Big House and Dining Hall addresses the Nation’s need to replace their Traditional Big House which was badly damaged by fire in 1996, and provide a complimentary facility that doubles as both a Dining Hall and Emergency Shelter in the event of a natural disaster.

The Nation felt the design should reflect the traditional Big House which did not have all the modern services of a contemporary building. The form merges the traditional Pre-European Salish Style Big House with the Post-European influences gabled Big House. A compacted earth floor with two fire pits, bleacher seating and electric powered low velocity fans are located on the roof to assist in exhausting the smoke from the firepits. Across from the courtyard, the Dining Hall / Emergency Shelter provide service the Traditional Big House by providing washrooms, kitchen and a large enough space to feed and accommodate 400 people.