HaiCo Ocean House Exterior Entranceway

It’s the people that define a place. As one of the most ancient societies on the coast, the Haida Nation and its business entity HaiCo rightfully deserve a facility that is representative of their ways of being, culture, and support the expansion of tourism in the region.

In 2022, HaiCo expanded their land-based accommodations with a new location called Ocean House at Tlaga Gawtlaas. Once a fishing lodge out on the water, Ocean House was moved to land to complement the pre-existing Haida House at Tllaal. To make this happen, the lodge needed an updated exterior, including a new entranceway for guests, in order to see through their vision for Ocean House: one that truly expresses Haida culture, supports the expansion of the offerings to northern Gwáay/Xaadaa Gwaay.yaay Haida Gwaii, provides new visitor experiences in Gaw Tlagee (Old Massett/Masset), and partners with the existing tourism offerings from Old Massett Village Council (OMVC) and local artisans and entrepreneurs. All while allowing the building to remain operational.

Designed by hcma, the new exterior establishes a grand entry that incorporates Haida culture, enhances accessibility and addresses slope stability, while respecting the site's ancestral importance and archeological sensitivity.

The wood sourced from the project comes from FSC certified and Haida-owned forests. All wood was cut in Haida Gwaii by Taan Forest, a 100% Haida-owned forestry company. The cedar products make up about 95% of the wood volume in the project. All work, with the exception of foundations, was completed by craftspeople based in Haida Gwaii.