Story Pod

The Story Pod  echoes Akb’s renowned residential projects with a pure, simple form that belies a deeply thoughtful approach to architecture.  The abstract, black volume — a compact 8’ w by 8’ d by 10’ h — serves as a book exchange and an urban marker in the town of Newmarket, drawing curious residents from nearby Main Street and an adjacent riverside walking trail.  As users move around the box, the rhythm of its vertical slats changes.   The tightest spacing articulates opaque walls; the larger gaps, backed by transparent Lexan, allow light and views to filter through; and the widest openings display the book stacks, encouraging eager readers to enter.

During the day, two of the walls pivot open like the covers of a book, welcoming people inside or to gather around the front.  Visitors can take or leave something to read, or lounge quietly on the built-in seating.  At night, when the doors are locked, recessed, energy efficient LED lights, powered by concealed, self-sustaining solar panels on the roof, glow through the lattice work like a lantern, providing ambience for night markets or community events.

Team

Aaron Finbow, Kelly Buffey, Robert Kastelic

Construction

Town of Newmarket, Operation Services Employees

Photography

Bob Gundu, Shai Gil

Awards

2019 OAA SHIFT Infrastructure/Architecture Challenge Award
2018 Wood Design & Building Magazine Citation Award
2017 Canadian Interiors' 19th Annual Best of Canada Design Competition
2017 Canadian Wood Council, Ontario Wood WORKS! Award
2017 Architizer A+ Award, Jury Winner in Pop-Up Category
2017 Design Excellence Winner, Ontario Association of Architects
2016 Best of Year Awards Honoree, Interior Design Magazine (USA)
2016 Parks & Recreation Ontario Excellence in Design Award
2015 International Excellence in Design Award Shortlist, WAN Small Spaces Awards