ZAS architects' canadian military dining hall features tree-like columns made of glu-lam

ZAS architects’ canadian military dining hall features tree-like columns made of glu-lam
all images © brenda liu

serving as a kitchen and dining facility located in the canadian military forces based in canada, ZAS architects and jean-christian koch architecte have explored the traditional perceptions of an army cafeteria. the vast hall can accommodate up to 1,500 military personnel per meal, 750 at a time in two sittings, and is based on an intuitive programmatic layout.

the hall can seat up to 1,500 military personnel

designed to be a welcoming yet well thought-out space; the facility includes a dining hall, kitchen facilities and office areas, as well as washrooms and first aid facilities for the adjacent soccer pitches. ZAS approached the project focused on providing a pleasant and well-planned building that is illuminated with natural light.

the facility’s program includes a dining hall, kitchen facilities and office areas

most distinctively about the fit-out is the tree-like columns made of glue-laminated timber to form the arches throughout the space. as well as the structural elements and views of the surroundings, the facility provides diners with a welcome respite from their grueling schedule.

glu-lam trees span across the hall to add an interesting and warm element to the facility

the scheme’s layout, forms, colors and materials are all used effectively to convey an intuitive understanding of circulation and use – diners who have never entered the building are naturally brought through the facility in a loop, completing it with no cross-circulation. as a result, the curtiss kitchen and dining facility reflects the shifting direction in canada’s military architecture.

outdoor seating is available

ZAS approached the project focused on providing a pleasant and well-planned building

the project was shortlisted for a 2016 design excellence award by the ontario association of architects (oaa)

glazing wraps the scheme allowing views inside and out

the curtiss kitchen and dining facility is a reflection of the shifting direction in canada’s military architecture