In 2019, Kobayashi + Zedda (KZA) was retained by the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council (TKC) to prepare a functional programme summary and a conceptual design for a new Administration & Community building located on TKC settlement land in Whitehorse, Yukon. The new facility would be composed of a large gathering space for community events as well as offices, meeting rooms and support spaces, with an allowance for future administrative expansion. Overall, the project intends to provide a unique cultural experience where visitors can learn about Yukon First Nations in an interactive manner.

Nestled along the clay cliffs carved out from an ancient glacial lake, the facility overlooks downtown Whitehorse and the surrounding mountains. The building form is a two-storey articulated shape which follows the natural topography of the site, with the exception of the main gathering space protruding out onto an outdoor plaza.

In order to strengthen it presence in the landscape, the building is wrapped in wooden slates, each etched with a projected art pattern. The intent is to create a vibrant reflective mural showcasing the history and culture of the Ta’an Kwäch’än. On this project, KZA worked with First Nation artist Dustin Sheldon.

A companion project to the main project is a simple design for a cultural facility, a meeting place located near a traditional fishing camp (Helen’s Fish Camp) on Lake Laberge on the outskirts of Whitehorse.  The design would allow for a large span structure with bifold glass doors that would open to the adjacent lake during good weather.