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Coeur DAlene Spring 16F
Coeur DAlene Spring 16F
Coeur DAlene Spring 16F
Project Address
Project Type
Hospitality
Square Feet
At over 5 million acres, the Coeur d’Alene homeland spans three Mithun
states (Washington, Idaho, and Montana), one biome, and three
Keywords
distinct ecosystems. Mithun was challenged with capturing the
essence of this expansive territory and history of the tribe in Palouse prairie, wetland forest,
Native American, casino, resort
the renovation and expansion of the The Coeur d’Alene Casino/
Resort. Originally a Robert Venturi-esque structure composed Awards
of monumental roadside teepee entry ways and totem pole
LEED Gold
columns, Mithun’s redesign captured the culture of the Coeur 2011 NAIOP Night of the Stars,
d’Alene people, sharing with guests the First Nations’ wealth of Hospitality Finalist
history and contemporary culture. 2011 IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter
INawards, Hospitality -- Best of
Competition
The focus of the renovation was to integrate dynamics of the landscape and supporting the Main Biophilic Patterns
ecology and tribal history into the guest concept of time at several scales.
experience. In order to connect the building Connection with Natural Systems
to the site and tribe, Mithun established three The project highlights the site’s unique Visual Connection with Nature
broad concept categories early on in the ecosystems, emphasizes natural lighting, and Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
design. uses natural and local materials. These design Dynamic & Diffuse Light
choices connect guests to the importance of
The first concept is nature: observing the the landscape to the Coeur d’Alene. Paired All photos courtesy of Mithun.
site’s geographic location on the periphery with additional design elements and artwork, Prepared by Cory Nestor and Terrapin
Bright Green
of a forest and wetland, and the Palouse the resort celebrates the vibrant and unique
Prairie. The next is time: harnessing the culture of the Coeur d’Alene tribe.
existing building’s east-west orientation and
large south facing facade. Finally there is Since 2011, the resort has undergone further
Photo: The main pedestrian walkway, “Skycatcher”,
sun: encouraging the experience of seasonal renovations, some of which have changed the provides views of the surrounding landscape.
biophilic experience of the space.
P1 P7 P9
Left: The lobby and reception area feature an LED installation depicting the Coeur d’Alene watershed. Just Right: Reclaimed wood is used in the steakhouse
beyond, Skycatcher’s east-west layout allows natural daylight to fill the space throughout the day, flooding restaurant as a canopy over the booths.
the interior with dynamic and diffuse light. Seating areas encourage guests to pause and enjoy the view. The restaurant also features views to the
P1 P6 P7 P9 P11 ethnobotanical garden.
P1 P9 P11
Terrapin Mithun
Terrapin Bright Green is an environmental consulting Mithun is committed to creating beautiful, vibrant cities
and strategic planning firm committed to improving that are smart about resources and conservation.
the human environment through high performance They listen, clearly formulate ideas, collaborate,
development, policy, and related research. In and always aspire to give back more than they take
order to elevate conversations and help break new from the environment. “Our work” says Bert Gregory,
ground in thinking creatively about environmental Chairman and CEO of Mithun, “is rooted in the belief
opportunities to shape the outcome of large-scale that buildings and landscapes should improve the
planning and design projects around the world. Visit ecology of place and directly reflect the mission of
us at www.terrapinbrightgreen.com our clients.” Visit them at www.mithun.com.