Located deep within the Boreal Forest of Northern Manitoba, our team travelled to Barren Lands First Nation to introduce students to the design-build process guided by our micro-accredited curriculum. Working together with the Manitoba Construction Sector Council and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, students were encouraged to explore and develop design concepts for a small-scale structure within their community. Throughout our process, students were exposed to methods and tools such as site analysis, sketching/modeling, drafting, budgeting, digital fabrication, and VR/AR technologies, all while using storytelling as the guiding principle to creatively explore and openly communicate all their ideas.

Members of our team introduced and guided high school students through the design process using our design-build curriculum. Students were able to explore the many layers involved with this process such as storytelling, site analysis, sketching, and physical/digital modeling, to fully understand and conceptualize their visions and ideas for a small-scale structure. This workshop allowed every student the opportunity to explore and discover what potential career related paths are out there while developing new skills along the way.

Collaborating with the Frontier School Division’s Engaged Learners Program, our team and a group of northern Indigenous High School students came together to design and construct a warming hut. Guided by our design-build curriculum, students were able to reflect, discover, and express themselves creatively throughout the entire process. By working together, they were able to combine both new and traditional perspectives with innovative ways of making to share the stories that matter to them. What resulted was a culmination of ideas, all developed and determined by the students themselves.

From the storytelling module of the Grey & Ivy curriculum, Playhouse 04 emerges as a small, personal place for the owner to express herself. Her interest in art and food formed the primary programs of the playhouse. The structure responds to her interest in art, providing a space to make and display works of art. Meanwhile, an attached kitchen space offers a fun and casual space. A place for gathering, sharing stories, and enjoying good handmade food is all one needs to have a good time.

Playhouse 5 showcases what can be created with the Grey & Ivy curriculum without formal design and architecture training. Deliberate and expressive design can be achieved by unlocking and harnessing the power of imagination. The spirit of making then translates into a feeling of empowerment that allows us to leap over obstacles. Despite the lack of professional 3D modelling tools, the designer built the playhouse in the video game Sims 4, sharing her story through a unique and thoughtfully designed playhouse.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Et quod reprehenderit ut beatae illum nam voluptatem sunt ab minus inventore. Non veniam ipsa ut laboriosam magnam a velit iste. Et impedit repellat At corporis quisquam aut obcaecati dolorem non magni eaque. Est perspiciatis omnis in deserunt odio non dolorum impedit et deleniti modi ea rerum dolorem et numquam quod!

Click this button to check out the results of the project

As an architect running his practice, Grey & Ivy founder Nate Kasten always felt that traditional practice often does not leave knowledge, skilled work, and economic opportunities in the community that could last beyond a single project. He considers this a big missed opportunity. To keep his two daughters occupied during the pandemic lockdown, the three of them went through a simplified version of the architectural process, producing a workable drawing set to build their creation. The feeling of excitement and empowerment from the design and making process became the inspiration for Grey & Ivy. Through workshops, knowledge centres and technology, we provide the tools to bring Spatial Agency to the world.

The site of Playhouse 03 is a walkable suburb populated by small businesses with a sense of community. The Playhouse sits on an empty lot along one of the principal streets of the neighbourhood, between one-storey commercial buildings. The structure is designed with the four pillars of sustainability in mind, following the process outlined by the Grey & Ivy curriculum. It is a place for children to gather, meet new friends and play outside. The tall, slender form takes advantage of the sun and wind of the site, encouraging kids to climb higher and higher, eventually feeling the breeze and sunlight at the top. The immediate surrounding also becomes a place of social interactions, to see people, say “hi” to friends and neighbours, listen to the sounds and enjoy the weather. The pedestrian traffic can then dissipate and spread into various businesses, contributing to the local economy.

Situated at an open field within an urban park in downtown Calgary, Playhouse 02 encourages more people to utilize this space for what it is: a beautiful play area and a space for gatherings. Going through the Grey & Ivy curriculum, the need for a small designated play structure is identified, something for children to interact with. Inspired by the Rocky Mountains and the form of a tent, Playhouse 02 evolved into an A-frame rock climbing playhouse for kids. The simple structure makes it obvious for children that they could climb and play almost anywhere inside, on top and around the playhouse. The small, transportable design becomes a node that invites children and families to experience the open green space.

Located in the heart of Treaty One territory, this project was born from the shared vision of the many great leaders, communities and nations involved. Utilizing augmented reality technology, our team collaborated with the Naawi Oodena master planning team to research and develop an immersive 3D site model that would allow people to experience the vision in a total new perspective. This project allowed us to explore the potential of immersive technologies as an important tool to communicate ideas and engage with communities on a completely higher level.

In collaboration with the Frontier School Division, the northern Manitoba communities of Churchill and Lynn Lake were selected to participate in our first design-build workshop. Using remote learning practices, we were able to collaborate with a group of local junior high and high school students to develop a concept for a small-scale project located within their home communities. The intent of this workshop was to introduce students to the plethora of ideas, skills, and tools used within the design-build process.

Completely born out of curiosity and the energy of our youth, this workshop involved collaborating with a group of elementary students from École South Pointe School. Each student was asked to use their full imagination and draw their dream playhouse. The intent of this workshop was to celebrate the unique qualities within every individual and allow them the opportunity to express their creativity through the thoughtful design of a playhouse!