Resting along the beautiful Oregon coastline, the Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa practically dips its toes into the Pacific Ocean. Sited next to the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, the seaboard structure is nestled into a steep hillside and features breath-taking views of the adjacent beach, Haystack Rock, and the Pacific Ocean.
The hotel is carefully set on a narrow natural bench between the beach and the cape. The road, parking lot, and building itself all curve around to rest on this bench. When guests arrive, they are led up a meandering cedar walkway into a dramatic gabled entrance that continues through the lobby. The liberal use of wood and dark stone throughout, and also a central fireplace creates a warm lodge-like feeling as soon as you enter.
Cedar and steel beams frame views of the ocean and Haystack Rock from nearly every room in the luxury hotel— including each of the 33 guest rooms; the intimate, ocean-view bar and restaurant; various serene and fire-lit nooks; and the luxurious day spa. Cedar shingles on the building’s exterior have weathered to a silvery-grey, akin to the cool rocks, trees, and sand that are meant to endure in the harsh coastal climate which can include winds of up to 140 miles per hour. The third story is tucked up into the gables in an effort to reduce the visual size of the building. In contrast, the interior is warm and inviting, providing respite for guests to relax and recharge in preparation for their next adventure.
The design works so well due to the clarity of the main lodge mass being simple and timeless and nestling into the hillside gracefully. The low roof gable sets into the hillside and creates a cascading roof form that takes on the shape of the hillside behind the resort integrating the design into its wider environment.
