Skywatch Lodge & Spa
Solstice Destinations, Northwest Territories
In consultation with Solstice Destinations and the First Nations of the Northwest Territories, KDA developed a holistic brand and experiential signage program for a unique adventure lodge and spa near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (NWT).
Taking inspiration from indigenous traditions and embracing a clean, Scandinavian design sensibility, KDA’s program authentically captured the natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage of the location.
Every design element was thoughtfully integrated with the architectural context and the surrounding environment. The program encompassed various components, such as the welcoming entrance canopy experience, signage and navigation aids for both outdoor and indoor spaces, including rooms, the spa, and the restaurant. It also encompassed the design of experiential pathway of sculptural portals leading to the communal hilltop lookout and fire pit, environmental lighting, distinctive room key fob designs, personalized monogrammed items, tactile maps to assist with guest orientation of the terrain and promotional materials.
Enhancing the Environmental Experience
To enrich the environmental experience, KDA designed a striking, large-scale wood-motif screen system that creates captivating placemaking moments both inside and outside the lodge, undulating to form a biomorphic shape.
Outdoors, the fin system is integrated throughout the property, extending from the arrival gateway to the ‘ceremonial’ staircase leading up to the Skywatch platform.
Within the interior mezzanine, the fin system comprises six fin units, repeated to create a completely unique and naturally biomorphic shape that complements the restaurant setting. An internal layer of glass separates the mezzanine from the fins, and a frit application is added for increased privacy for guests accessing the spa via the mezzanine bridge.
This system can incorporate programmable RGB LED lighting, capable of mimicking the aurora borealis or providing a soft, warm white glow to enhance the interplay of shadows along the ceiling.
A luxury lodge offering light-adventure travellers an elevated and authentic experience unique to Yellowknife.
Representing PLACE
KDA also created individual names and wordmarks for each of the guest rooms based on meaningful words relevant to the First Nations of the Northwest Territories and their environment. The restaurant’s name, Aurora, was also suggested by KDA as a tribute and celebration of the northern lights.
Keys to the Brand
To enhance the customer experience further, KDA has designed unique and meaningful key fobs for each Skywatch guest room. These key fobs incorporate elements indigenous to the Northwest Territories. The overall key design features a spun hardwood carrier with a burnt wood finish and an inset middle feature that coordinates with the theme of each guest room. The copper base disk is embedded with the guest room number.
