Eagle Ridge Lodge

Lake Louise, AB, Canada

The significance of the mountains in Canada’s history, identity and spirit cannot be overstated. A new Mountain Top Lodge must be more than attractive and exciting architecture, it must be a symbol of the nation, the mountains and the people they have inspired.

Connecting the Nation

With the admission of British Columbia to the Nation in 1871, Canada agreed to build a transcontinental railroad to connect and unite the country. Construction of the railroad began in 1875, with the Kicking Horse Pass chosen, over the more northerly Yellowhead Pass, as the route through the Canadian Rockies. It was this historic decision that lead to the discovery of the Banff Hot Springs, the development of tourism and the founding of our first National Park in 1887.

Spirit of the Nation

The building of the railway was a huge undertaking and the Rockies were the biggest challenge. Many innovations were used to get the railway over the mountains including the  Kicking Horse Pass Spiral Tunnels which like much of the infrastructure is still in use today. Most structures were made of the locally available timber and for the first years of operation the trains were also fuelled by wood. The countless wooden structures, bridges and trestles from coast to coast are icons of Canada’s efforts to unite the country and the pioneering spirit of the people that emigrated here to work in remote places, under extreme weather conditions and still conquered the vast wilderness.

Trestle

The Trestle design is a metaphor of the discovery of the Rockies and the uniting of Canada, a symbolic national link that is both awe inspiring yet dwarfed by the mountains. A man-made structure that is also natural, its rhythm echo’s the trees of the National Park while its strong defining lines speak to its human quality. Its location balanced on Eagle Ridge reaches from East to West symbolic of the uniting of the country and the founding of the National Parks. It’s striking but familiar form is an iconic Canadian symbol, national historical tribute and a clear visual identity for Banff National Park, Lake Louise and the Ski Hill.

 Local Resources

A contemporary interpretation of the classic trestle design is the ideal way of creating a low impact building with a small footprint while protecting the natural integrity of the area. Heavy Timber Construction is the natural, historic and environmental choice. Locally grown, harvested and processed, Timber frame can be manufactured off site and raised quickly and efficiently. Further componentisation and pre-manufacturing will increase efficiency and reduce construction time.