In 2008, Architects Alaska partnered with the Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation (UIC) to craft a design/build proposal for Baker Hughes’ new Fabrication Shop in Prudhoe Bay, catering to the varied needs of Baker Oilfield Technologies (BOT), Atlas, Centrilift, Inteq, Hughes Christensen (HCC), and Petrolite Divisions.
By May 2008, the UIC and Architects Alaska Design-Build Team had been appointed, and the design phase initiated. The project blueprint encompassed approximately 100,000 SF, housing diverse areas from BOT’s Production, Fishing, and Coil workshops to the HCC Bit Storage and Jet Perforating areas. It also included office spaces, locker rooms, conference areas, and training facilities to support the extensive fabrication zones.
A hallmark of this project was its ambitious timeline. Collaborative efforts between Architects Alaska and UIC Construction facilitated the design and construction within a stringent 16-month window, enabling the facility’s operational commencement by July 2009. As part of the accelerated process, by August 2008, construction documents were already released, paving the way for foundational works and the procurement of a pre-manufactured metal building structure. Key milestones included the kick-off of the under-slab thermal siphon system installation in July, foundational works in August, and the setting up of structural frames by September. By the close of February 2009, underground tasks and slab-on-grade works had been successfully executed, marking a testament to the synergy and expertise of the collaborative team.