Eielson AFB Replacement Military Family Housing

Eielson AFB, Alaska

This design-build project, which is being completed in four phases, will provide new, quality housing for families at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska. There will be 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. The neighborhoods include running/biking/walking paths, multiple children's play areas, and mechanical buildings that blend in with the surrounding homes.

There are five-unit types, ranging in size and number of bedrooms. In addition, there is a variation of the four-bedroom unit types that has been designed to be capable of converting to fully accessible units.

To reduce the visual impact of multiple units repeating on a streetscape and provide a sense of ownership and pride for residents of each home, the housing units are grouped together as townhomes in combinations of three or four units each and the units are staggered. Gable roofs, floor offsets, and colors create variation and undulation in the façade of these buildings. At all elevations, there are bump-outs for rooms, garages, porches, etc., which create a multitude of shadow lines and visual interest.

This housing project was 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. A portion of the housing has been certified LEED Gold. As such, these homes are the first in Alaska to achieve this prestigious level of certification. This project was also honored with the 2011 PACAF Air Force Design Award.