The Lodge at Martis Camp

Project Details

Project Description

Sited atop a 70-foot rock promontory, and offering spectacular views of the 18th fairway, the design goal for this clubhouse was to create a heritage building that 100 years from now will be beloved by the community; and gain a history as an iconic community gathering place that is worthy of the majestic site it occupies.

Reminiscent of the great western lodges of the 1900’s, a design of timeless quality and character was achieved through the use of native materials, an organic design that fitted the building to the site, colors that are of the forest, hand crafting by great local artisans, and a scale that is intimate yet majestic. Designed directly on the site, the design process was further enhanced by having the architect set up a tent and work in the field for a complete summer testing the design with the site, fitting the building to the contours of the rock, aligning views, studying sun angles, understanding the prevailing winds and existing trees, as well as gaining inspiration from nature and having the building become one with it.

The result of this extensive thought and planning is a building that responds to the needs of the 21st century; yet remains warm and welcoming; evoking an arts and crafts feel throughout. From the grand porte cochere, guests enter a living room offering both fireside seating and incomparable mountain views. The main hallway, which also serves as an art gallery, leads to several fine and casual dining rooms and terraces. Anchoring the western point of the site is a spectacular octagonal dining room with a unique hand-quilted patchwork ceiling. Descending a grand staircase, guests will arrive at the golf shop and state-of-the-art swing room before embarking on the 18-hole signature golf course and then retiring to the enjoy the men’s or ladies lockers rooms and lounges. And because there is “life after golf”…the clubhouse offers a full service spa with steam room, couples massage room with fireside tables, fitness center with jetted soaking tub, and a saline lap pool.

From the initial siting of the building, to the last detail, sustainable design and green material specifications were paramount, and the building is on track for LEED Certification and is in its final evaluation of that process. Beyond the normal LEED requirements, common sense eco-friendly components to the building include 100 % natural air intake for the mechanical system to minimize the use of air conditioning, super insulation to retain heat in the winter, extensive use of operable windows, not commonly found in a public building of this size, extensive use of natural day lighting in almost every room, extensive use of reclaimed and recycled materials, solar orientation of the building to minimize western exposure; and where it was desired for view, extensive protection from the sun.

Most important to the design process was to create a building that was about the space within to be lived. To create right sized spaces, spaces where community could be created by all who spend time there, spaces that allow one to contemplate the majestic view and spaces that make people smile.