Shiprock Dormitory

Galloway is working with Aleut Federal, LLC on this design-build project providing multidisciplinary services for the design and engineering of a new single-story, ground-up, approximately 18,705 sf student residence building for 75 students, with an additional 6,000 sf outdoor recreation area. This building will be fully commissioned and LEED Silver certified. Galloway is providing architectural design, structural, civil, and MEP engineering, landscape architecture interior design, and building commissioning services.

The Atsá Biyáázh Community School is a tribally-controlled school located near Shiprock, New Mexico. Serving grades K-6, the school is part of Shiprock Associated Schools, Inc., with the aim of providing educational opportunities infused with traditional Diné culture and values.

The Navajo Nation community faces extensive challenges to student transport. The dormitory will provide a place for students to reside while attending school, removing that obstacle from their educational opportunities. It will also serve as an educational facility for the students to learn basic life skills that they may not have the ability to learn at home. The site layout allows school faculty a broad sight-line to see students and help ensure their safety, while being conscious of pedestrian circulation.

With sensitivity to the Navajo history and culture, Galloway worked closely with the school to collaborate on the design. Rather than simply replicating visual motifs, we worked in close collaboration with the client to create a design that truly embodies the essence of the culture. The goal was to create a safe and welcoming space for the students and their families to not only learn life skills, but further their cultural education. Galloway’s site design incorporates a dedicated prayer ceremony space, and the center of the building emulates the features of a hogan – the traditional Navajo dwelling space.

The anticipated construction completion date is September 2025.