MAC Federal Credit Union, a financial institution rooted in Fairbanks, sought to broaden its footprint into South Central Alaska. Architects Alaska was called upon to fulfill their ambition to establish a local branch headquarters in Wasilla while simultaneously refreshing their brand’s image. Their chosen site posed a unique challenge due to its steep incline. The resulting design stands at two stories and encompasses 8,076 SF. Both floors offer on-site access, capitalizing on the terrain’s gradient: the upper floor, housing the branch, is accessible from the building’s front, while the operations are stationed on the lower floor.
From the Parks Highway, the structure presents as a single-story credit union. Its aesthetic — a blend of wood and stone — harmoniously melds with the Alaskan backdrop. The design offers a nod to nature, capturing the splendor of Pioneer Peak on its southern face. The north side is adorned with expansive windows to optimize natural illumination, ensuring gentle ambient light. In contrast, the south-facing windows harness direct sunlight and act as conduits for solar heat during chilly winters.
The project’s success led to a ripple effect. Embracing its revamped branding, the client commissioned another facility in the City of Palmer, which was completed in 2022. Adding a feather to its cap, Architects Alaska proudly announced that its design for the MAC Federal Credit Union in Wasilla was honored with the ICF Builder Magazine People’s Choice Award in the Light Commercial category.