Project Name: Gravel Point

Project Statement: Nestled within the dunes, shore pines, and wetlands overlooking the Pacific Ocean near Face Rock State Park and the Bandon Dunes golf courses, this resort will offer a transformative experience, immersing guests within a realm of serenity and self-discovery. A Development firm commissioned the firm to plan the site and conceptualize the design of this future destination resort. The development strategy delicately engages with the landscape, allowing the resort to seamlessly integrate with its surroundings. The placement of structures minimizes tree removal and frames views of the wetlands using the existing fauna and landforms to form a natural barrier that creates privacy for guests and neighboring residents. Despite the site’s previous impact from adjacent development and invasive species, notably gorse, its beauty endures and continues to attract local wildlife. The landscape design focuses on restoring the natural environment to its former splendor and value as a habitat. The architectural elements and interiors echo the textures and palette of the dunes and pay homage to the heritage of the Coquille Tribe that has long inhabited this stretch of the Pacific Coast. From the mimicry of textured waves to the earthy tones of the native soil and vegetation, guests are fully immersed in the natural beauty of the great outdoors, embracing a harmonious blend of nature and comfort.

The new resort will rest on a sprawling 25-acre canvas of natural beauty, including 185,000 SF of indoor spaces. The Dune Lodge, offering fine dining, a bar, and conference rooms, buries itself in the sand dunes to reduce its scale while it simultaneously reaches up for the Pacific Ocean views. Its angles and orientation maximize views and late afternoon sun while protecting against the all-too-common winds. The Meadow Lodge serves as the main hotel offering, including 110 guestrooms and a wellness hydro spa deep within a grove of trees overlooking the wetlands landscape. The facades curve around the clearings and wetlands to prevent any interference with them, providing framed views of these natural features. Near the two lodges will be 32 free-standing villas, known as the Dune and Meadow Villas. The Dune Villas seamlessly integrate with the dunes, with structures partially submerged within them. These villas offer views of the wetlands, tree canopy, and hills from both ends. While the Meadow Villas are situated in the clearings between trees, discreetly screened by the canopy, providing scenic views of the nearby wetlands. In both cases, the proximity to the wetlands serves as a key amenity, focusing on minimizing visual impact by blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The material palette relates to the Oregon Coast, with facades of weathered cedar accented by distressed steel and board formed concrete. The roofscape of this development will be largely utilized for habitat regeneration for winged wildlife with an extensive green roof installation. Mechanical equipment will be located on lower roofs and the ground within screened enclosures. The roads and paths have been minimized, to the point of not allowing cars to approach the Dune Villas so that the dunes can be retained. The roads and paths also minimize storm water discharge by being curbless and allow direct run-off into bioswales that filter the water, recharge the ground water, and more slowly enter the downstream watershed. Car parking is largely in basements underneath the lodges to maintain this natural setting and reduce the impervious coverage. The zoning allows for coverage of 65% of the site, but this project will only cover 23%. The project is targeting to achieve LEED Gold and WELL certification.
The Medow Lodge will be guests first experience with the built environment at reception and embark on a journey of self-discovery and relaxation. Upon arrival, they are greeted by a striking Corten steel pivot door that leads into a cozy lobby that expands out to the open-air courtyard. The reception desk features an encapsulated Douglas Fir tree trunk desk to celebrate the local tree species. Cozy fireplaces provide warmth, while curated books on local heritage and nature invite exploration. The central bar offers healthy breakfast options and energizing coffee throughout the day, while the ambiance transitions into a candlelit setting for evening dining, featuring a carefully curated selection of local wines and exquisite culinary offerings.
The wellness spa serves as a serene sanctuary, offering not only treatments but also spaces for meditation and reflection. Peaceful gardens, serene water features, and secluded seating areas encourage guests to find solace and tranquility. It will provide state of the art hydro spa that appears to connect to the exterior wetlands only separated by a piece of glass.
Guestrooms and Villas are thoughtfully curated to create a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation. The design features a soothing color palette inspired by nature, incorporating earthy greens, warm browns, and soft neutrals that evoke a sense of peace. The rooms evoke a sense of luxury without being too stuffy. Live edge flooring and natural wood accents blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, while expansive windows frame picturesque views of the surrounding wetlands and dunes. The standard hotel rooms in the Meadow Lodge are adorned with a green plaster ceiling and operable wood slats around the shower so each guest can choose their level of privacy. Each villa is equipped with multiple cozy fireplace, and luxurious soaking tubs and exterior private spa, allowing guests to unwind and connect with the serene landscape. Thoughtful touches, such as curated local artwork and organic textiles, further enhance the sense of place, ensuring a harmonious blend of nature and comfort that promotes rejuvenation and reflection. Guests have easy access to activities such as biking and hiking to extend their connection to nature on their trip.