The new Keams Canyon apartment project consists of a new wood frame with masonry and stucco buildings constructed directly east of the existing Keams Canyon IHS Staff Housing. The 19-unit one-story apartment building is a site adapt of the IHS Kayenta Apartment Staff Quarters. The project consisted of modifications to lend a unique reflection of the Hopi Tribe and setting a new standard for staff housing.
The location of the apartment is tucked at the base of one of the Mesas in Keams Canyon - lending itself to a striking backdrop and appreciation of the region when you first drive up. At each entrance a local artist was commissioned to create a mural that reflected the culture of the 21st century. This theme continued into the main corridor, connecting the outdoors and the indoors.
With each site adapt on the lessons learned during the design of the original Kayenta and the Crownpoint apartments were implemented. A new standard of elegance - without being ostentatious - was set through improvements to the plan and living space in the efficiency and accessible units. This included eliminating all high-maintenance items and simplifying the color pallet to reflect the local region and culture. The site-adapt also included a commercial laundry, staff restroom, and local storage that can be converted to on-site offices.
