COMBING THE TRADITIONAL FRAMING SYSTEM OF THE INUPIAT LONGHOUSES WITH MODERN SUSTAINABLE PRINCIPALS, THE VISITOR CENTER USES A STRUCTURAL SYSTEM THAT RESPECTS THE VERNACULAR AESTHETIC OF NORTHERN ALASKA.
NORTH FACADE NORTH FACADE
SOUTH FACADE
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY SOUTH FACADE
THROUGH LOCAL CONSTRUCTION
LOCAL DENSE SPRUCE, A BUILDING MATERIAL OF THE INUPIATS FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, RETAINS HEAT IN THE COLD WINTERS WHILE PROVIDING A HIGH INSULATING VALUE.