Cutting-edge military training facility enhances combat readiness at Fort Wainwright
At a glance
In a joint venture (JV) with KPB Architects, RIM Architects, now part of GHD, delivered a sophisticated 115,000-square-foot military training facility at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, featuring state-of-the-art combat simulation technology and specialized training spaces for up to 300 soldiers. The award-winning facility enables realistic combat training from platoon to brigade level while meeting stringent security and environmental requirements.
The challenge
The challenge
The US Army Engineer District Alaska needed a state-of-the-art training facility at Fort Wainwright to prepare soldiers for modern combat scenarios in an increasingly complex military environment. The project demanded sophisticated technology integration for realistic battle simulations while meeting stringent security requirements and harsh arctic conditions. The facility needed to seamlessly blend advanced combat training capabilities with specialized spaces for tactical operations, skills development and post-action analysis. Adding to the complexity was an aggressive timeline - the facility needed to be fully operational within 18 months despite challenging winter construction constraints. The design also had to accommodate up to 300 soldiers simultaneously while maintaining Force Protection standards, including specific requirements for secure areas built to sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) vault standards. The project team needed innovative solutions to address seismic considerations, winter construction limitations and technical infrastructure requirements, all while staying within budget constraints.
Our response
Our response
Through our JV partnership with KPB Architects, GHD designed a 115,000-square-foot facility featuring advanced simulation technology and specialized training spaces tailored to modern military requirements. The collaborative team delivered a two-story building includes a Tactical Operations Center for command exercises, an Engagement Skills Trainer area with immersive combat simulation capabilities and flexible After Action Review rooms - all equipped with cutting-edge computer systems and immersive audio that replicates battlefield conditions. To meet rigorous security needs, the JV team incorporated 8-inch reinforced concrete vaults, laminated glazing and comprehensive card-access systems throughout. Our innovative foundation design using steel piling addressed both the accelerated winter construction schedule and seismic considerations unique to the region. Working together, we integrated sophisticated communications infrastructure including a Fixed Tactical Internet room built to SCIF Vault standards. The facility design incorporated a 65-foot vehicle standoff clearance and secured perimeter with guarded gates. Through close collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers throughout design and construction, the JV partnership delivered this complex project under budget despite the compressed timeline.
The impact
The impact
This transformative facility dramatically enhanced the Army's training capabilities in Alaska, enabling realistic combat simulation for units ranging from platoon to brigade level. The innovative design allows up to 300 soldiers to participate in immersive training exercises simultaneously, with dedicated spaces for both active simulation and comprehensive post-action review. The project's excellence in meeting both technical requirements and operational needs earned the prestigious 2006 Chief of Engineers Award of Excellence - the highest design honor given by the US Army Corps of Engineers worldwide. The facility demonstrates our team’s ability to deliver sophisticated military training infrastructure that balances advanced technology integration, security requirements and harsh environmental conditions. Most importantly, the facility continues to play a vital role in ensuring soldier readiness through state-of-the-art training technology and purpose-built spaces that can adapt to evolving military requirements. This successful project exemplifies the power of collaborative partnerships in delivering complex military infrastructure that serves our nation's defense needs.