The Lake Wilderness Lodge has been a popular site for weddings and festivals since 1951. The Lodge received a national AIA Honor Award in 1952 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The project restored and renovated the exterior envelope, receiving design awards from King County 4 Culture and Historic Seattle.
The heroically cantilevered concrete deck hovers above the Lake and provides a view – on clear days – of Mount Rainier. At the time of the renovation, the exterior envelope required restoration; the deck railing was rusting, causing the concrete deck edge to fail. The railing system was redesigned to prevent rusting, provide subtle lighting, and offer a flat surface for guests’ drinks.
A major challenge of restoring a national register building is improving code compliance and weather resistance while maintaining original character. The renovation maintained the scale, proportion, and graceful appearance of the original building and improved seismic, safety, and environmental conditions.
The original white stucco was restored and the hand split riven cedar boards were refinished to enhance the striking contrast between the materials. The character of this quintessential Northwest building was preserved while providing increased life-safety and greater energy efficiency.
The deck plane and railing are part of the extension of a large reception space. While reducing solar heat gain, the new glazing retains the sense visitors have of reaching out over Lake Wilderness.
