Tâpwêhtamowin wâskahikan (tâpwê)

When you look at the Tâpwêhtamowin wâskahikan (tâpwê) building in Edmonton’s Inglewood neighbourhood, you see more than just a beautiful three-storey building—you see a profound commitment to human dignity. 

This project isn't just about constructing housing; it's about creating a safe, resilient home for some of Edmonton’s most vulnerable residents, many of whom are Indigenous community members.

Edmonton has an urgent need for supportive housing. Individuals experiencing houselessness, mobility challenges, or involvement with correctional systems need more than just a roof; they need belonging. They need access to medical care, ceremony space, and a feeling of peace.

Our design response was to weave efficiency, sustainability, and compassion together. We used an innovative modular construction approach, stacking wood-frame units on a flexible concrete podium. This maximizes the constrained urban site while featuring brick and cementitious panels that nod to the neighbourhood’s historic character.

Inside, the atmosphere is deliberately calming. The interior design is guided by trauma-informed principles, meaning we prioritized natural light, clear sightlines, and calming materials to create a secure environment. Specialized spaces for ceremonies and wellness are seamlessly integrated. On the street level, social enterprise and retail frontages activate the edge and strengthen community connections.

Tâpwê provides a home for 30 residents, supported by Native Counselling Services of Alberta with essential wraparound services—everything from cultural programming to wellness coordination. It is a powerful example of how thoughtful, community-integrated design can foster safety, dignity, and independence, setting a new and compassionate standard for supportive housing in our city.