THIEN RESIDENCE

3 bedroom house, approx. 4500 sq. ft.

Yellowknife, NT

TIPI HOUSE

This 4,800 sq. ft., 4 bedroom house, was designed for a family of five. A center of attraction for many visitors, architects, engineers, tourists from around the world and national publications have recognized the 'Tipi House'. Its form, conceptually based on Tipi and Igloo architecture, reflects awareness and appreciation for architecture’s relationship with Northern culture and environment.

Built on gently sloping high ground, overlooking Great Slave Lake, the house sits in harmony with its long rocky site bordered by birch and spruce trees. The architect used extensive glazing; many windows and two levels of glass railed decks, in order to take advantage of one of the best views in the City.

Entering the house through the main door, two flower planters greet visitors like welcoming arms. A woodstove and chimney mark the core of the circular building, dramatically reducing energy consumption through efficient heat radiation and retention. The building shape, with fewer exterior corners, also reduces wind turbulence. A central four storey void extends the full height of the house, wrapped from basement to top floor by continuous spiral stairs, topped with a conical 10’0” tall and 16’0” in diameter skylight.

The unique ‘Tipi House’ won Architect Kayhan Nadji the 2000 National Post Design Exchange Award in Architecture. Kayhan was also recognized by ‘Design Exchange Magazine’ under the category of Innovative Canadian Design; juries decided on the project as a unique design for northern climate conditions, and for creatively promoting unity among cultural groups.