Skatin Administration Building | Iredale Group Architecture

The form work and inspiration for this administration centre has been drawn from the Canadian black bear. The shape of the building represents the hunched posture of the bear, with its strong legs firmly planted on the earth below it. The strategy for this structure is simply that of a gabled roof with its corners rounded to help reflect the natural lines of a living creature. The roof then becomes the walls, enveloping the interior spaces in a protective embrace. The dark tones of the building skin reflect the black bear's coat. The buildings underbelly is light and almost cave-like. The entrance is transparent except for the stone chimney which follows the form language expressed by the building shell and wraps down to create an intimate 'den' with fireplace, display spaces, and seating area.