NPS Glacier Bay Park Offices
Glacier Bay, AK
The Challenge
This relocatable building is 400 sq. ft. with a pitched roof and porch; a second similar building is joined to it with a boiler room separating both buildings. The layout includes 2 offices, conference and restroom. This building had to architecturally blend in with the seashore and wildlife on a National Park & Preserve that spans nearly 3.3 mil. acres in Alaska.
The units function as the office at Bartlett Cove at Glacier Bay. Aesthetic challenges were accomplished by using asphalt shingles on the pitched roof and hardiplank 6” reveal cedar mill siding with many architectural trim accents. It was set on a wood grade beam foundation and a boiler heating system was utilized. The covered front porch and the awning over top the south facing windows really sets these building apart aesthetically from most buildings. They were designed and installed to look like one seamless part of the modular building.
The Solution
The design of this building was critical because the access to the area was limited to boat and air. The design includes (5) 6,000 lb. over slung axles and the unit was wrapped to protect it from intense transport via truck and barge. Located just off the Gulf of Alaska, cold weather, high winds and storm surges were a major concern. The unit was built to meet the required wind speed of 112 mph @ exposure C and included a roof ground snow load of 144 psf (50’ elevation).
The building was installed on a distinct wood grade beam foundation which is above the storm surge line. The project required the module be built on a steel perimeter frame with chassis and wheels, so NPS could relocate the unit as needed. Custom and technical design allowed for ninety-five percent of the building to be built in the factory; which was required since the site was so exclusive.
