Modern headquarters celebrates Indigenous culture while cutting energy costs by 30 percent
At a glance
RIM Architects, now part of GHD, designed a Class A office building in Anchorage's Midtown District that honors Alaska Native culture while achieving LEED Gold certification. The 110,500-square-foot Fireweed Business Center sets new standards for sustainable design in Alaska.
The challenge
As a result of substantial growth and success, Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) needed a new headquarters facility. The architecture of its 1970s-era facility had represented the organization’s progressive mission at the time. For its new headquarters, CIRI sought a design that would reflect both their corporate success and commitment to Alaska Native values, while meeting complex environmental challenges. The building needed to manage up to 22 hours of daylight in summer and low-angle sunlight in winter, while providing a modern, flexible workspace for the next 50 years. CIRI's vision required incorporating best-available features for corporate offices while authentically reflecting the values and traditions of the region's Alaska Native peoples. The project demanded innovative solutions to balance these cultural elements with stringent sustainability goals and modern workplace requirements.
Our response
GHD designed a 110,500 square-foot office building that revolutionizes workplace design in Alaska. The building achieves a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption through innovative features including dynamic-tinting windows and daylight harvesting systems. A rooftop solar PV array supplements power needs through on-site renewable generation, while aerogel-based spandrel panels and triple-pane thermal windows ensure optimal energy efficiency.
The building's innovative design promotes collaboration and flexibility. All tenants enjoy access to premium amenities including video conferencing labs, large conference spaces, exercise rooms and outdoor patios. A stunning third-floor sun deck provides a welcome retreat during Alaska's long summer days. The welcoming lobby features vaulted ceilings, a coffee shop, fireplace and conference center designed for maximum functionality and comfort.
Alaska Native art and cultural elements are thoughtfully integrated throughout. Custom light fixtures echo traditional drums and salmon drying racks still used today. Regional natural forms inspire the flooring patterns and color schemes, creating a space that harmoniously blends heritage with innovation. The building's exterior design reflects this cultural integration while optimizing for environmental performance.
The impact
The Fireweed Business Center achieves multiple client objectives – reducing energy costs by 30 percent, providing a flexible modern workplace and celebrating Indigenous culture. The dynamic glass windows adapt automatically to changing daylight conditions, optimizing natural light while controlling glare and heat gain. This innovative system allows occupants to enjoy full-spectrum daylighting during overcast periods while automatically adjusting during direct sunlight exposure.
The project earned LEED Gold certification and received the 2019 Merit Award for Architecture from the American Institute of Architects Alaska, setting new standards for sustainable design in the region. Tenant feedback consistently validates that the new headquarters successfully balances traditional values with modern workplace needs, strengthening CIRI's position as a leading Alaskan enterprise. The building stands as a testament to successful integration of Alaska Native culture, sustainability and contemporary workplace design.