KHS&S completed exterior framing, sheathing and 400,000 square feet of themed exterior stucco for this project, which is the largest casino in New Mexico. KHS&S also completed the Native American-inspired interior casino theming.
Project exteriors were designed to duplicate traditional adobe construction, requiring craftsmen to incorporate straw and mica into areas of the finish to give the project a more authentic look. Craftsmen also added “imperfections” and undulations into the stucco to make it appear worn and weather-battered.
Casino interiors involved a true design-build, collaborative process. KHS&S met with tribal leaders early in the design phase to incorporate the tribe’s artwork into the project, which features replicated cave art, coyote fences, and log trellises, in keeping with Southwestern architecture.
Through early involvement in the process, KHS&S developed detailed working drawings, which helped set and maintain the budget. It also allowed KHS&S to suggest value-engineering ideas to keep the project on budget without sacrificing design intent.
