Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi
BANFF PUBLIC PAVILION
Okâch (Welcome)
Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi (Staging area to the mountains)
Exposed wood details in the flexible gathering area of the Pavilion
A Certified Passive House Low Energy & Rick Hansen Barrier Free Building
This public pavilion is approximately 230 square meters and was designed and built by our team here at HSS Design Build. Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi is the most energy efficient commercial building in Banff National Park. It services the surrounding recreation grounds and skating rink, visiting tourists, and Bow Valley locals. The pavilion includes an outdoor BBQ area for the summer, a small kitchenette, a large and welcome gathering area for events, all gender washrooms and changerooms, and has been designed to be barrier free, making this truly a space for everyone. We are so excited to see this project come to life and provide a gathering space for the Banff community and visitors alike!
Installing prefabricated mass timber structural panels on site (DLT)
Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi with Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System installed
Innovation & Design
The Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi features an innovative building envelope made up from a pre-fabricated dowel laminated timber (DLT) system with layers of wood fiber insulation. The envelope sits upon a concrete slab on grade. All windows are triple glazed, cold climate Passive House certified. The majority of the materials used are natural, local, and many are made up of recyclable content. Keeping with the Town of Banff’s Design Guidelines, we have created a rustic prairie house style building that embraces the surrounding iconic views and nature; essentially, bringing the outdoors in.
The Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi project was awarded funding for its innovative use of prefabricated DLT panels by the Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA).
You can watch a promotional video produced by SSRIA that showcases all the innovations here.
Solar Photovoltaic Systam
In 2025, the Town of Banff added a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to the building, marking the final step in its sustainability journey. This addition was made possible through the Municipal Electricity Generation (MEG) program, with support from a $12,600 rebate provided by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC). The system includes 40 solar PV modules with a total DC capacity of 18 kW.
Read the full story here.
Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi in the NEWS
Rocky Mountain Outlook
Multi-purpose pavilion 'most efficient building' ever built by Town of Banff
(Rocky Mountain Outlook)
Banff recreation grounds, pavilion building renamed
(Rocky Mountain Outlook)
Building for the future
(The Construction Source - Canada)
Banff building goes greener with new solar panels
(CTV News)
Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi Recognitions, Awards & CERTIFICATES
The 34th Annual Emerald Awards Finalist
Pioneering Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Cold Climates at the Banff Community Pavilion
The Banff Community Pavilion, officially named Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi, was proudly shortlisted in the Infrastructure category at the 34th Annual Emerald Awards for Environmental Excellence. The Emerald Awards, founded in 1992, are Alberta’s premier environmental recognition program, honoring outstanding achievements in environmental stewardship across the province.
Watch a short project introduction during the Emerald Awards 2025 event
Read full nomination HERE
The 35th Annual Emerald Awards Finalist
Energy Efficiency in Cold Climates, Proven Possible: Banff Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi
Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi, has been shortlisted in the brand new category: Green Building at the 35th Annual Emerald Awards for Environmental Excellence.
The project clearly demonstrates that achieving passive house standards in a cold climate is not only feasible but exemplary - when the right expertise and collaboration come together.
Read full nomination HERE
Official Passive House Plaque
Official Passive House Certification Plaque
in 2024 Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi received its official Passive House Certification plaque, a mark of rigorous energy-efficiency and comfort standards verified by the Passive House Institute (PHI).
This recognition confirms that the building meets internationally recognized passive house criteria, demonstrating that high-performance, low-energy design is achievable even in cold climates.
Learn more about the project and its certification:
Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi FULL PHOTO GALLERY
Completed project photos by Chris Conway Photography.