Architects: Workshop AD
Location: Anchorage, AK, USA
Area: 5000.0 ft2
Project Year: 2014
Photographs: Kevin Smith
Structural Engineering: Smith & Huston
Building Envelope: Paul Lukes
Contractor: Hawkinson Construction
One particular heavy gauge tube steel
while meeting the over-arching aesthetic
Exterior surfaces are clad with walnut
member, an integral part of a lateral
goals of the architecture.
veneer composite panels, concrete, and
brace frame, had ruptured over time; a
metal roofing. Interior surfaces are clad
Perched above the landscape like an
with walnut panels, dark painted wood
freezing water exerting incredible forces
extended tree house, the platform
trim, painted gypsum board, basalt
on building components.
stretches across the hillside following the
stone tile and stainless steel accents, and
topographical subtleties of the forest.
hydronic radiant heated concrete floors
Much of the engineered lumber had
Expansive glazing exposes each space
to create an immersive, comfortable, and
degraded and required replacement.
to the foreground wooded layers and
durable environment.
The large roof overhang resulted in
the distant commanding panoramic
considerable wind uplift forces which
views north and west. Yet, the spaces
For the clients and their guests the
placed stresses on each component
maintain a high degree of privacy from
experience of the Alaskan landscape
below. The project team extensively
the surrounding neighbours.
is truly unique and connected to the
re-engineered and detailed the building
envelope to counteract these demands
specific qualities of this setting.
Page 129 - Archetech
powerful reminder of the strength of