Mt. Baker Base Camp and Research Facility: An American Typology Standard for the European Mountain Hut

Abstract

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 Avalanche 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. During the hiking and mountaineering seasons, the base camp will provide lodging to a select number of people, 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.