Related Projects

Willow Cree School

Beardy and Okemasis Reserves
Duck Lake, SK
Among the many successful projects completed
by Rajani Blaser Mannix is the Willow Cree
School. The challenge to create a school with a
strong image connected to the local First Nations
Culture was met with a design composed of pod
groupings that evoke the image of the Plains Indian
Tee-Pee. The School is located on the Beardy
and Okemasis reserves at Duck Lake
Saskatchewan.
The layout avoids lengthy, institutional corridors
in favor of a circulation system that is an easily
remembered cross-shape and provides common
space at the entrances to classrooms. The
entrance to the 4,465 sq.m. (48,100 sqft) complex
features a 12-meter high structure in the form of
a Tee-Pee that is decorated with traditional artwork by a local artist. The entire
complex is constructed of materials that are durable and long lasting with metal roofs
and a combination of brick, stone and concrete cladding.
The project was completed with a final construction cost of $7.8 M. This is below the
construction budget by $200,000.
“With the quality of its finishes and the originality of its conception, the Willow
Cree School is one of the most advanced designs for First Nations communities
on the prairies.”
-Trevor Boddy, Vancouver based architectural critic and historian visiting the Willow
Cree School
The project was awarded the Premier’s Award of Excellence in Design.

Rajani B laser Mannix

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