FairbanksHawt
I’ve been working on a post about architecture in Fairbanks and I’m in the midst of email conversations with two local architects but before I actually post anything on the subject I had to, as always, get some feedback from my Fairbanks peoples on Twitter. I’m not sure what is meant by “FairbanksHawt,” but I have a feeling that it’s what my friend, sculptor Mark Fejes, refers to as “good enough for Fairbanks.”
It all began with one simple question:
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“Is the cabin the dominant architectural form in #Fairbanks? If not, then what?
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“@AKbirder @RMurrayPhoto I’m trying to define the various house types here. Log cabin, storybook cottage, 50s nondescript…house. whatelse?
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“@annekristoff Def should include ATCO units. Also, DIY unfinished frame houses on pilings with Tyvek siding. @pillygoat
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“@annekristoff hmm I would say we are not known for our dominant architecture. L48ers mostly comment “what are those electrical outlets for?”
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“@phillygoat @annekristoff There are also a few igloos covered in that yellow spray-on foam. So pretty.
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“@annekristoff Oh boy, I think there’s one near Steele Creek & Chena Hot Springs Road.
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“@phillygoat @akbirder @annekristoff there’s also the space needle house on McGrath.
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“@phillygoat @gimpi @annekristoff I have a friend that partied in that space needle man-cave, at least until the guy died falling from it.
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“@phillygoat There was a big gap between the elevator and the platform. Didn’t mix well with alcohol, sadly.
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“@phillygoat Be sure to include a permafrost house. There are several, complete with junk in the yard, on Farmer’s Loop.
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“@annekristoff A house built improperly on permafrost that sinks into the ground as it melts from the house’s heat. All caddywompus.
More to come, including photos, in a few days.
A question in the meantime: Do you have a favorite “FairbanksHawt” house or structure?
AK vs AK 