LUTZ ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS

Granite Peaks Lodge is the central daylodge for the base area of Stevens Pass Ski Resort. The form of the 20,000 sq. ft. (1,850 sq. m.) structure reflects its location on U.S. Forestry land in both the Mt. Baker Snowqualme National Forest and the Wenatchee National Forest at the summit of the mountain pass on U.S. Highway 2 through the Cascades. Low sloped roofs and deep overhangs are designed to support and manage the depth and heavy weight of the snow.

Heated decks and plaza extend the seating to the outside, adding to the variety of choices within the limited base area.

The Roundhouse Lodge is located at the top of the Whistler Mountain Gondola at 6,900 ft. (6,700 m) above sea level. The building consists of 33,000 sq. ft. (10,000 sq. m.) of new construction and 22,000 sq. ft. (6,700 m) of renovation of an existing restaurant.

The challenge was to design and build a restaurant and banquet-capable facility between the existing gondola building, integrated the existing restaurant, providing seating for 1550, while creating a variety of dining experiences for the guests. The kitchen not only needed to serve the various finishing stations throughout the facility, but also five satellite restaurants located elsewhere on the mountain. All guests, goods and services arrive by gondola. All garbage leaves by gondola. The separation, both physical and visual between the "back of the house" and the "front of the house" were achieved through careful planning, while allowing the effective transfer of food and garbage.

Although the existing structures are steel the client wished to have wood as a primary material in the new building. The gabled roof spine supported by a heavy timber frame, is responsive in design to the structural grids of the existing buildings. The vaulted spine becomes the defining element of the new composite building.

The mountains inspired the simple gabled form of Glacier Creek Lodge, a 30,000 sq. ft. (2,800 sq. m. ) skiers' daylodge in a sheltered mid-mountain bowl on the western face of Blackcomb Mountain. The building was designed with a combination of poured-in-place concrete and a glulam structure. It was built on a fast track system, going from concept to completion in less than 10 months.

Long term durability, and ease of transportation and of on site adjustments of the glulam members were the main determinants in the selection of wood as the prime building material for the project. The lodge is located at the base of two ski lifts and at the bottom of 11 ski runs. The restaurant is oriented so skiers can view the activity on the slopes. Snow guards on the shallow 2 in 12 roof slope hold the snow and provide natural insulation.

The building accommodates 1000 skiers indoors in three seating venues and 600 skiers outside on the deck and patio.