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.

PG&E Center for Gas Safety and Innovation

PG&E Center for Gas Safety and Innovation

Jan 29, 1997

COMMERCIAL OFFICE / EDUCATION / BRANDING

PG&E Center for Gas Safety and Innovation

ROLE: Architect of Record, Interior Design, Construction Administration
CLIENT: Pacific Gas & Electric
PROGRAM:

25,000 SF: Offices, Breakroom & Materials Library, Conference Room, Workshops, Technical Testing & Training Rooms 
PRESS: PG&E Opens New 25,000-Square-Foot Center for Gas Safety and Innovation
PHOTOGRAPHY: Paul Mourraille
RIM completed the design for this showcase project for Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). The scope of work included relocation and consolidation of three individual PG&E groups from existing locations in Concord and San Ramon to one, new consolidated operations facility in Dublin, California. The functions of the three groups vary. The responsibilities for the Test Lab group involve testing, evaluation, and implementation of measurement and control devices and systems used throughout the PG&E system. The Measurement & Procedures group activities include research, testing, and evaluation of new gas construction methods, tools, and technologies. Lastly, the Non-Destructive Evaluation group reviews gas operations methods, tools, and technologies. This new, combined building provides a workspace for approximately 50 employees with varying workstation styles and collaboration zones. This state-of-the-art facility is a milestone for PG&E’s latest innovations and technologies with gas piping, design, and monitoring.
Matson Administration Office

Matson Administration Office

Jan 31, 1993

COMMERCIAL

MATSON ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

ROLE: Architect of Record, Interior Design, Construction Administration
CLIENT: Matson
PROGRAM: 3-story, 15,956 SF, administration offices and support space
AWARD: 2017 GCA Excellence in Construction Merit Award

RIM’s client, Matson, is committed to providing superior reliability for more than two decades to the community of Guam. To better serve their customers, Matson decided to build a new headquarters, based in Anigua, Guam. RIM worked closely with Matson and the general contractor to design a building that would reflect their history of providing transportation to the Pacific since 1887. The inspiration came from Hawaiian Plantation Architecture, and the structure resembles stacked shipping containers. With sustainability in mind, sustainable features include energy efficient systems, low-e tinted glazing, recycled materials, and low VOC materials.