The sweat lodge is a spiritual center for First Nations cultures. The space is designed to emulate the traditional woven willow reed structures found across the prairies, through its geometry, orientation and articulation. It functions as a modern sauna, using electricity to heat the stones in a controlled environment. Wood was to represent the connection with the earth that is an important characteristic of the traditional sweat lodge. The wood construction also helps differentiate the space from the standard gypsum board walls and concrete block of the surrounding structure.