LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
A REIMAGINED RETREAT
The reimagined Black Butte Ranch Lodge blends iconic period architecture with modern design, sustainability, and a deep connection to its natural surroundings, creating an elevated retreat in Oregon’s Central Cascades.
SHARON DAVIS
PHOTOGRAPHY: JEREMY BITTERMANN
At the foot of Oregon’s majestic Three Sisters mountains, Black Butte Ranch Lodge emerges anew, seamlessly blending architectural heritage with a contemporary vision. Originally constructed in the early 1970s, the lodge was a cornerstone of the 1,800-acre resort community. Fifty years later, a transformative project led by the renowned design firm Hacker has breathed fresh life into this beloved landmark.
The design honors the lodge’s iconic period architecture while addressing modern needs. The new 27,000-square-foot structure doubles the original size, featuring expansive public spaces, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and versatile event areas. Central to the design is a textured double-height stone fireplace, a nostalgic nod to the original lodge. Native woods in contrasting tones accentuate the interior, creating a harmonious balance of warmth and openness, while salvaged materials from the previous building are repurposed into screens, furniture, and finishes, preserving its legacy.
Architecture and Interior Design: Hacker
Contractor: Kirby Nagelhout
Landscape: Walker Macy Landscape Architecture
Kitchen Designer: Bargreen Ellingson Restaurant Supply and Design
Civil Engineer: Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc. (HHPR)
Structural Engineer: Madden & Baughman Engineering
Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer: PAE Consulting Engineers
Electrical Engineer: PAE Consulting Engineers
Lighting: Luma Lighting Design
Acoustical Engineer: Listen Acoustics
Client: Black Butte Ranch
The exterior’s Shou Sugi Ban charred cedar cladding evokes the rugged resilience of the region, both aesthetic and practical in its fire-resistant properties. This theme of ecological stewardship extends to the landscape design, which employs drought-tolerant native plants and regionally sourced materials, celebrating and conserving the Central Cascades’ unique environment. Custom-crafted tables from a felled Ponderosa pine tree further root the design in the surrounding landscape, bridging the past and present.
The Black Butte Ranch Lodge stands as a testament to thoughtful design, where heritage and innovation converge. It is not just a building but a narrative—an elevated retreat that mirrors the natural splendor of its setting while offering an inviting sanctuary for generations to come.
