Portland-based Hacker Architects has replaced an outdated 1970s lodge with a striking blackened wood and glass structure at Black Butte Ranch in Oregon. This new lodge draws inspiration from the region’s volcanic topography and aims to deepen connections between the architecture and its natural surroundings.
Redefining a Legacy
The original lodge, constructed in 1969 by Portland architect Bing Sheldon, served Black Butte Ranch residents and visitors for decades but faced accessibility challenges, aging systems, and a dated design. Following a year-long community consultation, Hacker Architects opted to replace rather than renovate the structure, crafting a building that both honors the original design and embraces the surrounding landscape.
Corey Martin, a principal at Hacker Architects, explained:
“We wanted the experience of the new lodge to evoke memories of the original while connecting people to the site in more meaningful ways.”
Design Inspired by the Land
The lodge’s angular massing mirrors the fractured volcanic terrain of Central Oregon, referencing features like columnar basalt and lava tubes. The roof’s pitch reflects nearby Black Butte’s slopes, while clerestory windows and expansive glass walls fill the interiors with natural light. Oblique walls and undulating profiles create a dynamic architectural form both inside and out.
The lodge’s charred cedar cladding, treated using traditional Japanese techniques, increases durability while nodding to the area’s wildfire history. Natural wood soffits and salvaged materials from the original lodge highlight the ranch’s tradition of showcasing wood craftsmanship.
A New Community Hub
The redesigned lodge, now twice the size of its predecessor, features three primary public spaces:
- Restaurant and Bar: Anchored by a dramatic stone fireplace, this space incorporates booths resembling volcanic pools and tables crafted from local ponderosa pine.
- Event Area: A flexible multi-use space connects to an outdoor terrace, ideal for gatherings.
- Upper-Level Lounge: With its bar and terrace, this section offers sweeping views of the ranch and its surroundings.
Special design touches include CNC-etched entry doors, depicting lava flows and other geological motifs, tying the interiors further to the volcanic theme.
Sustainability and Salvage
The project reuses wood salvaged from the original lodge, repurposing it for railings, furniture, and wall finishes. Contrasting wood tones and exposed structures emphasize warmth and openness, while a state-of-the-art kitchen supports the ranch’s dining and event needs.
Legacy of Hacker Architects
This lodge is one of several projects Hacker Architects has completed at Black Butte Ranch, including a recreation complex (2016) and a general store (2021). Elsewhere, the studio has reimagined other iconic structures, such as a Brutalist library in Salem and an athletic center in Portland.
The new lodge serves as a testament to Hacker’s “Landform Building” approach, which prioritizes sensitivity to the natural landscape while providing modern functionality.
