Silverton's architectural landscape is entering a new century—one that aims to balance modern innovation and contemporary building techniques with a deep reverence for the history and mining heritage of the town and its region. At the heart of this project is two intertwined and guiding principles: mass timber construction as an environmental and aesthetic imperative, and interiors that redefine elevated mountain lodging through understated elegance. This blog post delves into the design philosophy driving the project and the global team bringing it to life.
Mass Timber: Building Responsibly in the San Juans
The decision to use mass timber—cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams—is rooted in sustainability and contextual sensitivity. Unlike concrete or steel, mass timber sequesters carbon, effectively storing it within the building's structure. For Silverton, this choice also honors the region's timber legacy while addressing modern climate challenges.
Engineering for the Alpine Environment
Holmes, the project's structural engineers, are adapting mass timber systems to meet Silverton's unique demands. Their design considers the specific requirements of building in a mountain environment, including snow loads and temperature variations. Mass timber's prefabricated components can reduce on-site construction time compared to traditional methods, minimizing disruption to Main Street's historic character.
Aesthetic Integration
While the design continues to evolve, the project will incorporate timber elements throughout—creating warmth without overwhelming the minimalist interiors. This approach balances structural innovation with aesthetic restraint.
Francesc Rifé's Vision: "Soft Warm Minimalism"
Barcelona-based Francesc Rifé Studio is translating Silverton's rugged landscape into interiors that balance European refinement with mountain practicality.
Material Philosophy
Rifé's team is selecting materials that age gracefully while echoing the local environment. The palette draws inspiration from Silverton's natural surroundings and mining heritage, creating spaces that feel connected to place.
Spatial Strategy
The guest rooms exemplify Rifé's ethos with thoughtful layouts that maximize both comfort and views. Public spaces will incorporate biophilic design principles, creating environments that connect visitors to the natural world even while indoors.
The Team: Global Expertise Anchored Locally
Ben Blue (Developer)
As a full time Silverton resident, with extensive international experience in hospitality operations, real estate development, and asset management, Ben Blue brings a global perspective to Silverton. His leadership ensures the project balances international design standards with local perspectives and code requirements.
Woodblock (Architect of Record)
The Portland (Oregon) firm, licensed nationally and specialized in commercial and specifically hospitality, is navigating local building codes and requirements, ensuring the international design vision translates effectively to Silverton's context.
Cristobal Noguera (Concept Architect, Chile)
Cristobal Noguera's concept emerges from careful study of Silverton's context. His design respects the town's historic character while introducing elements that enhance the existing context.
Francesc Rifé Studio (Interior Design, Spain)
The internationally acclaimed studio brings sophisticated restraint to the interiors, creating spaces that feel elevated yet unpretentious. Their approach emphasizes quality materials, thoughtful detailing, and a seamless relationship between architecture and furnishings.
Holmes (Structural Engineers, USA)
This respected engineering firm is developing solutions that enable mass timber construction while ensuring structural integrity in Silverton's mountain environment.
WSP USA (MEP Engineers)
As one of the world's leading engineering consultancies, WSP brings expertise in sustainable building systems tailored to the project's specific needs and location.
Sustainability Beyond Materials
The project's environmental commitment extends beyond mass timber to encompass comprehensive strategies for energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. These systems are being integrated from the earliest design phases rather than added as afterthoughts.
A Gathering Place for Silverton and Beyond
Beyond its architectural and environmental aspirations, the hotel aims to serve as a meaningful addition to Silverton's community fabric. The spaces are designed to welcome both visitors and locals, offering settings for everything from quiet conversations to workshops and events that celebrate the San Juan Mountains' unique character.
The culinary program and event spaces will provide platforms to showcase talent and regional ingredients— and create experiences that deepen connections to place and community.
Honoring Silverton's Rich History with an Ambitious Hospitality Project
Responding to the needs set forth in the Compass Master Plan (consensus document for Town of Silverton, Colorado) this hotel looks to the future of how hospitality can best bring value to the historic community of Silverton— with a vision for a place where global design intelligence serves local ecology and culture. By mixing mass timber's environmental benefits with Rifé's timeless interiors, the team aims to create an innovative building that correlates to its setting.
As the project progresses, this blog will continue sharing insights into the design process and evolving vision for this hotel project and addition to Silverton's Main Street.