Auberge at Mauna Lani

Auberge at Mauna Lani

COMMERCIAL / HOSPITALITY

Auberge at Mauna Lani

ROLE: Architect of Record, Construction Administration
CLIENT: DHL Mahi Associates LLC, an affiliate of California company ProspectHill Group
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection Press
PRESS: Auberge at Mauna Lani Opens 

RIM served as Architect of Record for the newly opened Mauna Lani Hotel, located on the Kona Coast of the Island of Hawaii. As the first Auberge Resorts property in the Aloha State, this popular, luxury hotel was thoughtfully redesigned to celebrate the history, archaeology, nature, and culture that make its site unique. The resort includes 333 guest rooms, suites and private bungalows, three new pools including one with an infinity-edge for adults only, and a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa. The centerpiece of the resort’s cultural heritage is a 15-acre fishpond complex, dating back to the 1200s. Mauna Lani, which means “mountains reaching heaven,” is also home to 27 parks and two historic trails sprinkled with ancient artifacts. 

The famous Canoe House, which is the resort’s iconic signature restaurant, was largely preserved structurally, maintaining the large volume ceilings and heavy timber beams. The interior and exterior spaces, including the central bar, are completely new with a wide range of casual seating options and exquisite décor. Recognized as the kitchen where modern Hawaiian cuisine pioneer Alan Wong made his mark, Canoe House is carrying on the tradition under Chef Matt Raso. 

Paradise Inn Annex

Paradise Inn Annex

COMMERCIAL / HOSPITALITY

Paradise Inn Annex

ROLE: Architect
CLIENT: National Park Service

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as a National Historic Landmark, the Paradise Inn Annex in Mount Rainier National Park (Washington) reopened following a 19-month closure of the Annex wing for rehabilitation and upgrading. The massive effort, led by RIM, encompassed extensive work on both the interior and exterior, performed during severe winter conditions and at 5,400 feet altitude.    

Originally constructed in 1920, the 2017-2019 restoration/renovation of the Annex brought the structure up to date with current seismic and life/safety codes. Not only was the exterior stone foundation preserved, but original interior features such as crown molding and windows were meticulously restored. Key components of this project included removal of previous undesirable modernizations to the interior of the building, the reintroduction of the Annex’s historic interior and exterior appearance, and the retainage of the few remaining defining materials. Additionally, the work included electrical, plumbing, fire safety, and seismic code compliance as well as soundproofing, insulation, energy efficient lighting, and more. 

Eielson Visitor Center

Eielson Visitor Center

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.

Alyeska Roundhouse

Alyeska Roundhouse

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.