Denali National Park and Preserve is the home to the highest mountain on the North American continent and is Alaska's most popular park. Reid Middleton provided structural engineering for the new visitor's center, the park's prominent visitor destination. This newly completed, silver LEED certified facility provides visitors the opportunity to interact with National Park Service rangers and to enjoy the displays that provide insight about the park and its wildlife. The building's unique features include exposed wood framing, log columns, and timber trusses patterned after a truss design found in some of the early structures built at the park.

Need

A new visitor's center that enhances the park experience for visitors while using sustainable design principles.

Result

A coordinated design team effort resulting in a LEED certified facility which drew inspiration from historic park facilities yet features modern building technologies.