Following the success of the Kayenta Staff Housing, IHS began evaluating the option to site adapt the apartment portion of that project. The Chinle Staff Housing is the result of that undertaking.
The apartment building consists of 19 units which are a mix of different styles and layouts to accommodate the transient nature of the guests. The building includes 8 efficiency units, 8 one-bedroom units, 2 two-bedroom units, and a single ADA accessible unit. This combination of floorplans allows for flexibility - recruiting new talent to the service unit and temporary assignment of specialty services.
Building on the lessons learned during the design of the original Kayenta apartments, improvements to this plan included improved living space in the efficiency and accessible units. This included eliminating high maintenance items and simplifying the color pallet. The site-adapt also included a commercial laundry and staff restroom.
While reflecting on the culture of the Navajo Nation and Chinle, finishes were first chosen for long-term maintenance and durability. All materials are high to middle-grade in quality combined in ways to that are detailed to provide a look of luxury while remaining on budget. The colors selected reflect the surrounding landscape including the earth tones of the nearby mesas.