The Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux school provides culturally based K-12 schooling to 325 students of the Nlaka’pamux First Nation, and is located in one of the most hot and dry climates in Canada. The 41 161 sq.ft building was conceived using an integrated design workshop to promote stakeholder dialogue. Design, siting and massing effectively incorporate numerous passive cooling and natural ventilation strategies while all classrooms also include culturally significant views of the Stein Valley Mountains. Other features include a flat-roofed volume housing library, administration and food services and a sunken gymnasium with industrial arts capabilities.