Eielson Visitor Center

Eielson Visitor Center

Aug 26, 2007

CIVIC & CULTURAL

Eielson Visitor Center

ROLE: Architect, Planner 
CLIENT: National Park Service
SUSTAINABILITY: LEED Platinum 
AWARDS:

Citation Award; American Institute of Architects (AIA) Alaska; Members’ Choice Awards [Most Alaskan; Liked the Best; Most Original Design], American Institute of Architects (AIA) Alaska 

Located 67 miles inside the pristine beauty of Denali National Park and Preserve, the visitor center was designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding wilderness. Durable materials were required to withstand the extremes of winter and to perform in accordance with LEED Platinum Certification. The partial submersion of the building preserves the astonishing view of Mt. McKinley while offering panoramic views at the roof deck’s observation lookout.

ANC South Terminal

ANC South Terminal

Aug 25, 2007

COMMERCIAL / TRANSPORTATION

ANC South Terminal

ROLE:  Architect 
CLIENT:  State of Alaska – Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities

RIM was the lead design firm for a major seismic retrofit at the main terminal of the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Originally built 50 years ago, both Concourse B and the Ticket Lobby were updated to make the structures safer in the event of an earthquake. The project included modern infrastructure for baggage handling and screening, energy-efficient heating and ventilation, and state-of-the-art telecommunications and security systems.

A multitude of architecture and interior design updates in Concourses A and B as well as the Ticket Lobby have brought the overall level of service to customers and tenants up to the same high-quality standard present in the recently completed Concourse C. The renovated spaces are washed with natural light and allow for the completion of concession spaces, encouraging all the major air carriers to be conveniently co-located under one roof.

 

As the aviation planning and design consultant, HNTB worked with RIM, and Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), the program manager, to plan the renovations, focusing on programming, right-sizing, and making sure all elements of the reinvented structure worked together. PCL Construction Services, Inc. acted as the Construction Manager-at-Risk; provided demolition and abatement service; installed structural upgrades and glazing; implemented seismic upgrades developed by Reid Middleton; and completed architectural finishes, roofing, and mechanical and electrical system upgrades. The work was accomplished while the airport remained fully occupied and functional.

Alaska Islands & Visitor Center

Alaska Islands & Visitor Center

Aug 26, 2005

CIVIC & CULTURAL

Alaska Islands & Visitor Center

ROLE:  Architect
CLIENT:  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
AWARDS:

2005 Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture – American Institute of Architects, AK Chapter

2005 Design for Life Award-Public Buildings; American Society of Interior Designers, WA Chapter

This visitor center is sited on a natural bluff with occupied spaces arranged along the southern façade to maximize views of Kachemak Bay. The intent is for all occupants to feel a connection with coastal Alaska. Thus, the building orients itself toward the sea coast, and turns its back on the adjacent highway. The coastal façade is open and inviting, while the urban façade incorporates solid sound buffer walls to reinforce the permanence of the institutions housed within. The upper and lower floors remain connected visually by means of open areas or overlooks. Other connections to nature include access to interpretive trails and various outdoor amenities such as an amphitheater and plazas. 

The building was programmed as an important community element, having a distinct local identity and expressing a strong historical association with artisans. Hence, the design team commissioned original works within the building to integrate with the architecture. The seamless result has been well received. 

  

This 35,000 SF facility is shared by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve.  It is essentially divided into three distinct functional components: Visitor Facilities, Educational Program Spaces, and Headquarter Offices. An 832 SF laboratory and research area provide space for scientific research of marine wildlife and educational purposes. 

  

General Contractor:  Jay-Brant General Contractors, Homer 

Alyeska Roundhouse

Alyeska Roundhouse

Aug 24, 2000

COMMERCIAL / HOSPITALITY

Alyeska Roundhouse

ROLE: Architect
CLIENT: Seibu Alaska, Inc.

The Alyeska Roundhouse was originally built in 1960 at the upper terminus of Chair 1 at Mount Alyeska. RIM’s connection to the Roundhouse project spans over a decade. During the late 1990’s, RIM was involved in early concept planning to restore the structure, serving as the main interface with the National Park Service regarding its historical preservation. RIM continued the partnership by providing information for a business plan to fund the rehabilitation of the facility. In 2003, the building was placed on the National Historic Register.

 

Overall, the project was completed in four phases: design, foundation and support construction, roof system and interior renovation, and finally interpretive display. During the interior renovation and interpretive display phases, comments gathered from a large stakeholder group were integrated into the design of the facility. The stakeholders’ input played a key role in the direction and execution of the design.

Tsaina Lodge

Tsaina Lodge

Jan 7, 1999

COMMERCIAL / HOSPITALITY

Tsaina Lodge Restoration & Expansion

ROLE: Architect
CLIENT: Jeff & Ingrid Fraser
SIZE: 18,400 SF

In the close-knit circles of high adventure seeking skiers, the old Tsaina Lodge, located roughly 45 minutes north of Valdez, has held a storied and well-loved place in the hearts of many. Deeply sentimental of the Tsaina lodge history, the new owners decided to expand the lodge experience and provide a safe, enjoyable place for heli-skiers worldwide. The renovated 18,400 SF, 24-room, 32-guest ski lodge features full service fine dining and a recreated bar utilizing recycled materials from the old lodge itself, memorabilia included.

Building on the idea of recycling and maintaining an environmentally considerate operation, the existing cabins house support. The lodge itself is designed with sustainable features such as low flow water/wastewater fixtures, low energy drawing equipment, and an efficient power distribution system that can be manually catered by the owner and staff to draw only the necessary demand per the annual ebb and flow of peak season and off season occupancies. Additional eco-friendly amenities include landscaping focused on reclaiming and maintaining lost foliage incurred by the new lodge structure.

Deeply sentimental of the Tsaina lodge history, the new owners made the carefully considered decision to expand the lodge experience and provide a safe, enjoyable place for heli-skiers worldwide to come and enjoy a week (or two) at a new, 18,400 SF, 24-room, 32-guest ski lodge, with full service fine dining, and a recreated bar utilizing recycled materials from the old lodge itself, memorabilia included.

Building on the idea of recycling and maintaining an environmentally considerate operation, the existing cabins and yurts on site will house support staff that will work to maintain the eco-friendly site and lodge upkeep and will provide recycling service for visitors and dining amenities. The lodge itself is designed with sustainable features such as low flow water/wastewater fixtures, low energy drawing equipment, and an efficient power distribution system that can be manually catered by the owner and staff to draw only the necessary demand per the annual ebb and flow of peak season and off season occupancies. Data gathering of flow rates is currently ongoing at a nearby stream for a micro-hydro plant installation to be implemented in the coming months. This will further decrease annual demands from the local power grid. Additional eco-friendly amenities include a master plan that includes landscaping focused on reclaiming and maintaining lost foliage incurred by the new lodge structure, ensuring visitors and locals alike will be able to enjoy the rustic, yet pristine site for many decades to come.