Thunder Woman Healing Lodge

Thunder Woman Healing Lodge in Toronto, Ontario, is a 6-storey transitional housing and healing facility that demonstrates how mass timber construction can support culturally grounded, community-focused housing while advancing sustainable building practices.

This 18,000 sq. ft. project will provide a unique model that combines Indigenous healing lodge programming with transitional housing for formerly incarcerated Indigenous women under one roof. The building incorporates a hybrid structural system that includes cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor and roof panels, Glulam beams and columns, along with complementary structural materials to meet performance and design requirements.

Mass Timber and IPD Drive Efficiency
Mass timber plays a central role in the project’s structural and architectural design. CLT panels were prefabricated off-site and delivered to the project in sequence, allowing crews to install major structural elements rapidly and efficiently. This panelized approach accelerated the construction schedule, reduced site disruption, and ensured high levels of precision during assembly.

Early coordination between the architect, engineers, contractor, and mass timber specialists enabled the structural system to be optimized for manufacturing, logistics, and installation. The project team used an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach to align design intent, structural performance, and construction sequencing, demonstrating how collaborative project models can improve efficiency and reduce risk in complex mid-rise developments.

Once complete, Thunder Woman Healing Lodge will provide healing beds, transitional housing units, and community programming spaces designed to support restoration, reintegration, and long-term independence for Indigenous women.