Shane Homes YMCA – Calgary, Canada

Opened in 2016, the Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge in Calgary is one of the largest mass timber recreational facilities in North America. The center covers 26,500 m² and houses a wide range of community amenities, including pools, gyms, theaters, ice rinks, and multipurpose spaces.

To achieve the striking architectural design with arched glulam beams and expansive timber spans, the project relied on 1,900 RICON S connectors. These provided strong and concealed joints for the large-scale timber elements, supporting both structural performance and efficient assembly.

Key Highlights:

Connector technology: 1,900 RICON S connectors secured arched glulam beams and structural joints.
Construction method: Mass timber with glulam beams, CLT elements, and advanced jointing systems.
Design features: Iconic wave-like roof structure with expansive interior spaces.
Scale: 26,500 m² gross building volume with multiple floors of recreational, cultural, and wellness facilities.
Use case: Community recreation and cultural center serving Calgary residents with sports, arts, and health facilities.

This project demonstrates how RICON S connectors enable large-span timber designs, combining strength, speed, and design flexibility in high-profile community buildings.

Credits: Architecture by GEC Architecture. Structural engineering by RJC and ISL. Mass timber supplied by Structurlam – Mercer Mass Timber. Construction by PCL Construction with support from LS Engineering and Munzing Structural Engineering. Images courtesy of GEC Architecture and MTC Solutions.