Project Watch: Jackson Hole Airport

The Wyoming gateway is arguably a thing of beauty after the completion of its multi-phased terminal renovation and expansion programme.

Its status as being the only commercial airport in the United States to be located inside a national park (Grand Teton) means that Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) takes its sustainable development responsibilities very seriously, so much so in fact that it has pledged to be an industry leader in environmental stewardship, green building initiatives and sustainability.

Naturally, this commitment extended to its latest renovation and expansion project, which will help it cement its position as Wyoming’s busiest airport, handling around one million passengers annually.

The upgrade included the expansion of the main terminal and baggage claim facilities, and most recently the addition of two new gates, the remodelling and expansion of the holdroom areas, and the creation of a new restaurant/bar and gift shop.

Architect of Record for the latter phases of the capital investment programme, CLB Architects, notes that following the earlier phase with Gensler Architects, in which the 70s-era post and beam timber structure was demolished and re-envisioned to facilitate the flow of twenty-first century travellers, the renewed spaces and additions complete the 75,000-square-foot terminal redesign.

This represents the eighth project that CLB has completed for Jackson Hole Airport with two additional projects underway including a new private air terminal and three hangar structures.

CLB notes that the new-look airport structure was designed as “an inextricable extension of its natural environment”.

Design decisions, it reveals, facilitate an easy and stress-free travel experience, with open floor plans and clear sight corridors, as well as abundant glazing that frames the runways and Teton Mountain range beyond – orientating travellers to the next stage of the travel process, as well as to their place within the dramatic Wyoming landscape.

Maximising the strict developable height and area limits imposed by the National Park Service, the design is said to choreograph an open-ended, flexible, space that offers the complex programming space to breathe and flow.

“As you would imagine for the only airport in the United States that lives within a national park, there were some very tight design constraints to make sure that the architecture is subordinate to this incredibly dramatic landscape,” states CLB partner, Kevin Burke.

“We designed a very open airy space, where they can arrange furniture and have much more freedom to lay out the operations of whatever function they’re trying to facilitate.

“From a travellers perspective, it’s really helpful just to know where you are as there’s a lot of stress related with travelling. In this regard, having a direct line of sight to your plane is really important.

“You want to be able to see your plane and hear what’s going on, and not be compressed in tiny little spaces.”

According to CLB, structural supports are given “an elegant and minimal presence, with long-spanning Douglas fir glulam beams, rough-hewn log columns, and lightweight steel”.

A monumental fireplace anchors the far end of the room, complementing the commissioned artwork, drawing visitors into an airy, welcoming, and highly functional ‘living room’ for the town.

Talking about the fireplace, Burke notes: “It has became such an important element within the terminal space that everybody flocks to and sits around it. It has created this wonderful, welcoming environment.”

A convenient grab-and-go counter and relaxed dining area served by a full commercial kitchen are mirrored on the west by floor-to-ceiling views of the Teton Range.

“We wanted to create an area that felt comfortable enough for people to actually sit and dine or have a drink, because the previous restaurant really had no opportunity for that,” says Cary Lakeman, CLB’s senior project manager.

Multiple seating options include a convenient grab-and-go counter, relaxed lounge, sit-down dining, and a casual bar experience.

The primary seating areas face west toward an expansive glass wall, so every traveller enjoys parting views of the Tetons. Even at the inward-facing bar, a bronze mirror captures the show.

Interior design firm, TruexCullins, incorporated unique details throughout the holdroom and restaurant areas, that included custom banquette seating mimicking leather saddle bags on pack horses, strapping support around the back cushion, and cross-stitch upholstery details; leather saddle-like cushions top polished concrete benches along the glass walls.

Indirect lighting provides a warm atmosphere, and complementary downlighting and custom table lamps create an intimate space.

Underground, over 3,000 square-feet of versatile flex space anticipates the future growth of the airport, awaiting whatever function they may need to facilitate while respecting the building’s eighteen-foot height limit.

Accommodating around one million travellers annually, the terminal interior’s materials are said to be as rugged and long-wearing as the surrounding mountain slopes.

Polished concrete floors lay a utilitarian foundation for the public’s heavy traffic. Warm and tactile timber elements pay homage to the vernacular architecture of the American West, applying it to a distinctly future-oriented purpose.

A wall of quartzite creates a sense of continuity with the previously renovated portion and draws visitors through the space. Indirect up-lighting creates an evocative, atmospheric quality that contrasts with the usual cold, fluorescent lighting of institutional airport spaces.

Complementary warm downlights and LED accents ensure that task and retail areas have the visibility that modern air travellers have come to expect.

CLB has no doubt that “the renewed Jackson Hole Airport exists as its own hybrid building type – blending ideas of ‘home’ and ‘travel hub’ and embedding the structure within its natural surroundings”.

Project Team

Architects of Record: CLB Architects and Gensler*

Executive Architect: Miller Dunwiddie

Interior Design: TruexCullins (restaurant and holdroom)

Contractor: Wadman Corporation

Civil Consultant: Jviation

Geotechnical Engineer and Well Design: Nelson Engineering

Structural Engineer: KL&A

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & Technology Engineer:

Michaud, Cooley, Erickson

Lighting: Helius Lighting Design

Acoustic Engineer: Wave Engineering

Client: Jackson Hole Airport

Owner’s Representative: KLJ Engineering