Conceptualized by Canadian design duo George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, the Canada Olympic House, which is a hub for Canadian fans at the Rio Olympics, has two major design themes: the use of easily sourced materials (including plywood , carpet tile, and even drop cloths) and co-branding with some of Canada’s finest companies. “Creativity does not equate to the amount of money spent on a project,” Yabu says. Adds Pushelberg: “Canada Olympic House celebrates the transformation of simple, readily available objects and materials to express a verve and vitality unique to this time and place. Sculptural installations by a group of talented Canadian artists and artisans take a transformative approach to materiality.” Tour the unique house for the Canadian delegation below.
The path leading to the entrance is heralded by an impressive eight-foot-high Canadian-red wall printed with oversize white lettering. This bold graphic extends into the lobby, creating a unified statement while providing a clear landmark to locate the house from various vantage points throughout the city.
This space is anchored by a curved staircase that draws visitors upward. The only piece of furniture here is a log reception desk.
Inspired by a warm Canadian log cabin (a reminder of home in the tropical climes of Rio), this space features simply detailed plywood millwork, blackened metal, and a black-and-red carpet-tiled floor that invokes the classic Canadian flannel shirt.
Walk past a canoe-paddle mobile created by Moss & Lam Art Studios to find the Celebration Lounge. Here, plywood-clad walls house omnipresent televisions from which to view Team Canada’s triumphs. Modular furniture from the Canadian Tire Canvas Collection sits with ottomans and armless chairs with slipcovers by Quality & Co. Suspended from the ceiling is another Moss & Lam Art Studios creation, a deconstructed Canadian flag made of strips of painted canvas drop cloths.
Covered with synthetic turf used for playing fields, this rooftop terrace features Muskoka chairs and picnic tables interspersed with planted greenery. A trellis strung with rustic Edison bulbs from Canadian Tire presides over the relaxed open-air space from which athletes and their families can enjoy the fresh Rio air.
