Sidehill design, a newly founded architecture practice in Shelburne, Vermont, commissioned
a new brand identity that would emphasize the firm's architectural vision: high design that is approachable, never pretentious, with a sense of
fun and whimsy alongside a touch of sophistication.
The overall identity is based on a mythical creature known in Vermont as a Wampahoofus – a fantastical creature resembling a
cow with two short legs and two long legs – an adaptation it developed to easily walk on steep mountainsides. The absurdity of
the way in which the creature acclimated itself to the landscape is what makes the Wampahoofus so unique and memorable. “I too am trying to adapt and
belong in Vermont, and I'm trying to create architecture that adapts and belongs here as well.”
The final identity embraces the curiosity, flexibility and wonderment the studio was built upon. The primary logo mark offers a fresh
take on the mythical adaptation, allowing for a flexible, cohesive and meaningful identity system for Sidehill Design.
Much more than a set of rules, the brand guide and final package for Sidehill Design is a kit of parts that
allows Sidehill Design versatility within the system — from a range of colors to a variety of logo lockups
the system is able to continuously grow and adpat much like the creature it was inspired by.
Another a part of the commission was designing the first set of artist interpretations of the logo. Each
year, Sidehill Design will commission a new artist to design their version of the Wampahoofus logo. This yearly interpretation will
be incorporated into a holiday card, poster, and tshirt – further showcasing the practice's dedication to unique and playful design.
Client: Sidehill Design
Industry: Architecture
Services: Branding / Strategy
