The Ādisōke project, the groundbreaking collaboration between the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Public Library (OPL), and Library and Archives Canada (LAC)  is the first of its kind in Canada, creating a major public service hub that unites municipal and federal institutions. It was envisioned as a cultural beacon for the city. Its most striking architectural feature, a sweeping hybrid roof of structural steel and mass timber, posed a formidable challenge. The design called for intricate geometries, exposed finishes, and seamless integration of multiple materials, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety, sustainability and craftsmanship.

From the outset, PCL recognized that the complexity of the roof structure would demand more than traditional coordination. The steel “branch columns” and glulam beams had to align with millimetric precision. The laminated timber panels, which would remain exposed once complete, required careful handling and protection. And the entire structure had to be erected safely on a tight downtown site with minimal laydown space.

PCL’s approach was rooted in innovation and integration. Rather than splitting the steel and timber scopes between separate contractors, the team awarded a single, unified subcontract to Benson Steel and Timber Systems Limited, with Eric Lemire Enterprises handling installation. This “tri-way” contract model ensured that design coordination, fabrication and erection were managed under one roof.

To bring the complex geometry to life, every steel and timber component was modeled in 3D before fabrication. Weekly uploads to construction management platform BIM360, allowing for real-time clash detection and quality checks. SYNCHRO was used to create a 4D schedule, helping the team visualize sequencing and identify potential conflicts before they occurred.

Value engineering played a key role in refining the design. Proprietary timber connections improved both aesthetics and constructability. In areas with complex curvature, nail laminated timber panels were substituted for mass plywood, reducing waste and eliminating the need for costly structural testing.

Moisture mitigation was another critical focus. The team developed a plan that included early mock-ups, strategic use of temporary heating, and a balance of direct and indirect-fired heaters to protect the timber from warping or staining. Even the lighting infrastructure was concealed within the narrow gaps between timber panels, preserving the clean, natural look of the exposed ceiling.

The result is a roof that is as structurally sound as it is visually stunning. Spanning over 50,000 square feet, the hybrid system includes nearly 100 glulam beams, 900 laminated timber panels, and more than 1,000,000 nails, each placed with precision. The roof’s undulating form mirrors the Ottawa River, while its exposed timber and glass atrium flood the interior with natural light.

Despite the complexity, the project has remained on track. The unified subcontracting model eliminated scope gaps and reduced coordination overhead. PCL’s leadership in modeling, sequencing, and execution has not only met the project’s high expectations, but it has also set a new standard for hybrid construction in Canada.

As the Ādisōke project nears completion, it stands as a testament to what’s possible when architecture, engineering and construction align around a shared vision. The lessons learned from integrated contracting to advanced modeling and moisture control are already informing future projects across PCL.

This case also reinforces the value of investing in technology and collaboration. By leveraging tools like BIM and SYNCHRO, and by fostering strong relationships with trade partners, PCL has delivered a structure that is both technically exceptional and culturally meaningful.