A look at the Masonry of Gordon Oaks Redbear Student Center

February 6, 2017

In November, 2016, SMART dynamics of masonry published several articles celebrating the innovative masonry work on the Gordon Oaks Redbear Student Center at the University of Saskatchewan.

Symbolic Systemic Statement in Stone

Luc Durette, the lead mason on the student center, says that the building, that consists of 250 tons of natural Manitoba Tyndall stone, 1350 pieces of Brazilian Lilas granite accents and 11,000 sf of white precast, was an opportunity to "push the limits of masonry construction."

Just when I had done everything possible, I had the opportunity to step up to this challenge, working on a Douglas Cardinal masterpiece.

Tribute to Indigenous Cultures: Stories Express in Stone

Douglas Cardinal and Paul Blaser, the projects' architects, describe the way buildings express stories about who we are and who we hope to be, and reflect on the student center as an expression of indigenous culture through stone.

It is designed as a lodge, expressive of the spiritual buildings for indigenous cultures. Varied limestone coursings wrap to protect the north, opening to the south consistent with traditional lodges of the area. The opening to the south is protected by a massive cantilevered canopy, further enhanced by the suspended limestone above it.