Fort Richardson Complex Barracks

The Fort Richardson Barracks facility is arranged in a very efficient, four-story “L” configuration, with two wings for the dwelling unit modules, and a central core area that includes the central building stair and elevator. The main entrance to the facility is centrally located at the intersection of the two residential wings. A generous canopy extends from the main entry toward the main parking area. Upon entering the building through the ABA-compliant vestibule, the area above the Lobby is open to the second floor and provides a dramatic space with a tall volume and a generous amount of natural light entering from the south.

The main building entrance is easily identified by the canopy and full height vertical window above the entrance doors and a simple gabled roof form. This canopy is designed to be complementary to the overall design and in keeping with the style of the existing buildings. Orientation of the main canopy facing south and also with western exposure is in alignment with arctic best design practices and should provide natural expediting of snow melting. The sense of entry is further enhanced on one side with the vertical window at the vending area, on the other with the “punched” openings of the lobby, activity areas, and the east corridor.

The design of the new facility incorporates the materials, textures, colors and details from the buildings on the Fort Richardson campus. The exterior appearance of the facility is in alignment with the existing nearby residential facilities. The exterior wall base consists of textured concrete masonry unit wainscot with accent banding and cap stone detailing to match the existing buildings. This wainscot varies in height to add visual interest to the exterior of the building. The pattern is a variation on the theme at existing buildings due to the four-story nature of this facility.