Savona - British Columbia

The first North American use of the Swiss SFS Intech fastening system.

The gymnasium’s butterfly roof presented an opportunity to use a catanary type truss, creating a fresh, dynamic form. The innovative Swiss SFS Intech WS and WT connection systems, used for the first time in North America, led to an economical and elegant design.

The system consists of small diameter pins which are self-drilling through wood and up to three 5mm steel knife plates. The system provides discreet connections which are reliable and ductile, and completely tight-fit due to the self drilling process. The system is also not susceptible to fire, as the steel plates and fasteners are protected by the timber material.

Client - Skeetchestn First Nation Band
Architect - Ib G. Hansen Architect
Budget - $2.3 million
Completed - 2004