MASTERS THESIS DESIGN PROJECT:

(Completion Date: December, 2015)

This thesis explores a design strategy to adapt the European system of mountain huts to the US in a way that is sensitive to American culture and their attitudes towards nature. Using the well-developed mountain hut network in the European Alps as a framework, this thesis focuses on bringing that typology to the US with minimal environmental impact. The Mt. Baker Base Camp and Research Facility develops a net-zero building typology that will serve as a model for various high alpine base camps across the US. The year-round function will be primarily research, and based on the location, it would serve to advance avalanche research, snow research, weather data, seismic, and volcano research and education. During the hiking and mountaineering seasons, the base camp will provide lodging to a select number of people, guided groups, and mountaineering training, but will be open to the public as a dining hall and further serve as an emergency shelter in the event of extreme weather conditions. 

MASTERS THESIS DESIGN PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED AS A PART OF THE MASTERS OF ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON IN SEATTLE. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL THESIS ON ISSUU.