HAINES JUNCTION GENERAL STORE (Mountains)

Haines Junction, Yukon, 2015
(Prelim Design/Unbuilt)

"Going to THE MOUNTAINS
is going home."
         ~  John Muir
                   

The Haines Junction General Store is to be located in the heart of the Village of Haines Junction. There are tremendous views from the proposed site towards the Kluane Ranges which form a spectacular, beautiful backdrop to the entire Village of Haines Junction. It is an awe-inspiring mountain setting at the gateway to the scenic and world renown Kluane National Park. The development responds to this unique setting, considers sun, the intended commercial uses in the building design, creates a distinct identity based on the historic, physical and cultural environment, and establishes a character of architecture appropriate to the Haines Junction area.

Some of the basic guiding principles followed in the development of the Conceptual Design for  Haines Junction General Store Village Centre include:
• Sustainability—to have a low impact on the environment
• Community—to be in context with the surrounding village neighbourhood and mountain setting
• Health—to be healthy for local residents, staff, Yukon visitors and tourists
• Energy Efficiency—to be energy-efficient
• Resource Efficiency – to use quality, longlasting building materials
• Cost Efficiency—to be affordable to construct and maintain,
• Small Footprints— to provide compact, efficient development targeted to commercial market

The project is designed as an energy efficient, green building to reduce energy consumption and provide a healthy environment for local shoppers, Yukon and Alaskan visitors and world travellers. The building’s identity is derived from a vernacular which uses indigenous materials, incorporates energy efficient and passive solar technologies, responds to local climatic and site conditions, and incorporates historic references. The mountain style architecture pays homage to its world class alpine setting. Strong roof forms, colour, and materials are important components to define a cohesive image and overall character for this important central village  location which will become a new community hub for residents and visitors alike. Steep pitched roofs / gables are employed to help lower the overall scale and fit in with the existing community fabric and setting.  The proposed spruce logs adorning the front gables and perimeter walkway would be locally sourced from the Dawson area. It is envisioned that local artists would carve the entry gable columns.