Priory Chapel, St. Louis, MO. Photography by George Silk and courtesy of HOK
In 1962, notable architect Gyo Obata, cofounder of HOK architectural firm, which was established in St. Louis, completed the design of the Priory Chapel in Creve Coeur. Two sets of thin concrete parabolic shells on two levels set in 20 identical bays taper toward the center of the circular plan, giving the chapel a distinctive flower-shaped appearance. Three symmetrical tiers of whitewashed concrete are filled with Kalwall, a translucent fiberglass material, which appears black from the outside and has the transparency of alabaster on the inside. Obata limited the design to a few simple, but strong materials. Italian architect and engineer Pier Luigi Nervi consulted with Obata on the project, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2012.
Barter Books, Alnwick, United Kingdom.
Photography by George Skipper
Often referred to as “The British Library of Secondhand Bookshops,” Barter Books houses a vast array of written works. Missouri native Mary Manley opened the bookshop in 1991, in partnership with her husband Stuart, with an idea based on the swap system. Customers can turn in old books for credit to purchase new.
The store is located in Alnwick’s magnificent old Victorian railway station that was designed by William Bell in 1887. Mary and Stuart have restored and enhanced many features of the original building. An old canopy outside has been re-exposed. The fireplaces have been put back in working order. In addition, a missing skylight has been glassed in, and rooms have been replastered and repainted. Over time, Mary and Stuart hope to restore the entire glass roof.
Tiny Tack House, Snohomish, WA.
Photography by Tack Photography
At just 140 square feet, Chris and Malissa Tack’s home in Snohomish, WA, might just be one of the tiniest out there. Built on top of a trailer, the home includes an office, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping loft. The couple focused on using natural materials and carefully planned every inch of the home’s design. With 10 windows and a large skylight, the home beams with natural light.
Tongue-and-groove pine wood was used on the interior sidings and walling. For insulation, sheep wool was placed between the double walling. The floor in the living room and kitchen is mounted with engineered bamboo flooring. Solar panels provide electricity. A sleeping loft on the second floor is cozy but not cramped because of the cathedral ceilings. Used as an office or quiet escape for the couple, the tiny home also doubles as a place for visiting guests.
