From Johnston Architects
The Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation consists of 1,340 acres of land located near Kingston, Washington. JA was selected to carry out the master planning of the House of Knowledge, a series of four new buildings beautifying and developing the Tribal campus around a theme of lifelong learning and strengthening community. JA was commended for their ability to work with the Tribal community, volunteers, staff, the project's Steering Committee, and Tribal leaders, noting especially that they were very good listeners and communicators. Completed in 2009, this project has stood the test of time.
At 6,700 SF, the Long House ceremonial space is the central point of Tribal activities and celebrations. Funding for such structures was made possible by the S’Klallam Tribe’s own fundraising efforts as well as Federal financial support from USDA and HUD.
To demonstrate the high respect the Tribe has for their Tribal Elders, a facility was designed and built specifically for them. The S’Klallam Tribe Elders’ Center is home to a dining room, relaxation area, and fireplace lounge. The facility is used specifically by Tribal Elders and serves as their own personal social space, providing much-needed connections to their community.
The Tribe emphasizes literacy and the importance of education, as well as fostering an appreciation of Tribal art, history, and culture, while an increasing awareness of environmental issues has also led to interest from members on taking action and protecting the environment. Today a 4,000 SF education building offers summer school for K-12 students, a GED program, study support services, and on-site accredited college classes through Evergreen State College, Washington State University, and Northwest Indian College. The building also houses computer facilities and administrative offices.
To round out the campus, a new 2,790 SF library became the fourth and final building of the House of Knowledge campus improvement project.