The ORB Architects (now a part of INNOVA Architects) and Osborne Construction Company design-build team completed this fast-track, four phased project which demolished 132 old, dilapidated, inefficient military family housing units and constructed 349 new homes and renovated 99 existing homes. Using modern design and taking into account the extreme climate this housing project provided comfortable, convenient, and appealing homes for the Air Force personnel and their families that serve our country in this Artic environment. Originally built during the early-1960's, the Eielson Air Force Base family housing had endured more than 40 harsh Alaska winters and had exceeded its design-life cycle. The floor plans were not family-friendly, and the mechanical systems were subject to frequent and expensive repairs. This project contemplated more than simply rebuilding old military housing styles. The objectives included creating neighborhoods that highlight the individuality of each home and take advantage of the latest understanding in sustainable building and energy efficiency.

The homes were built in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) requirements and standards, and were designed to achieve a LEED Silver rating under the U.S. Green Building Council's "LEED for Homes" rating system. The system promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes, which use less energy, water, and natural resources, create less waste, and are more durable and comfortable for occupants.

The project was honored with the U.S. Air Force Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) 2011 Concept Design Honor Award and The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Design Excellence Award, 2011 Small Business - Bronze Award.

This design-build project was completed in four phases providing new, quality housing for military families at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska. There are a total of 349 new housing units: 204 in the Galaxy Heights neighborhood, 29 in Ravenswood, and 116 in Century Park North, and renovation of 99 units: 95 in Broadway and 4 in Galaxy Heights. A portion of the housing - 76 homes in Century Park North and Galaxy Heights - were certified LEED Gold. The neighborhoods include running/biking/walking paths, multiple children's play areas, and mechanical buildings designed to blend in with the surrounding homes.

This project represents a milestone for ORB Architects in the use of building information modeling (BIM) software. After years of using the technology without taking full advantage of its full potential, this project allowed us to rigorously test our office standards and confirm the ability to create high-quality documents for construction, as well as produce realistic renderings that were useful in helping the client understand the design and work through design options and even color selection.

KEY PROJECT FEATURES:
Design and construction of 349 Total Family Housing Units
First housing project in Alaska to be certified LEED Gold
Provided 251 more days of occupancy than original fast-track project schedule

Awards:
U.S. Air Force Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) 2011 Concept Design Honor Award
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Design Excellence Award - 2011 Small Business - Bronze Award
Construction Cost: $252 million
Completion Date: 2012