A collection of reflective cabins, manufactured by the prefabricated housing company ÖÖD, has been integrated into the Tu Tu' Tun Lodge, a 1970s hotel located on Oregon's Rogue River. This expansion is part of a comprehensive renovation and accommodation upgrade after Charming Hospitality acquired the remote property. The new cabins offer guests unique views while blending into the natural surroundings.
Key Takeaways
- Twelve ÖÖD Glass Cabins have been added to Tu Tu' Tun Lodge in Oregon.
- The cabins feature mirrored exteriors and floor-to-ceiling glass for immersive views.
- The expansion includes a new wood-burning sauna and additional family houses.
- The lodge maintains its rustic aesthetic while offering modern amenities and a "wilderness to table" dining experience.
- Prefabricated mirrored structures are chosen for ease of installation and visual integration.
Tu Tu' Tun Lodge Renovation and Expansion
The Tu Tu' Tun Lodge, named after the Indigenous Tututni tribe, underwent significant changes following its acquisition by Charming Hospitality. The group purchased an adjacent plot of land, previously a trailer park. This acquisition was strategic, as the land did not require new planning permission for the placement of semi-permanent structures.
Twelve ÖÖD Glass Cabins were installed across the sloped property. These cabins are carefully positioned to ensure privacy, preventing guests from overlooking one another. Views from the cabins vary, offering sights of mountains, creeks, or the Rogue River.
Quick Fact
The Tu Tu' Tun Lodge's expansion added 12 new prefabricated cabins, significantly increasing its guest capacity and offering diverse lodging options.
Design and Guest Experience
The cabins are designed specifically for two guests. They feature floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides. This glass is treated to appear tinted from the inside, ensuring guest privacy, while presenting a mirrored exterior. This mirrored surface reflects the surrounding natural environment, including the sky, mountains, and river.
"The cabins feature mirrored walls that reflect their surroundings – the vast starry night sky, majestic mountain peaks, the Rogue River and more – while providing guests with unobstructed views," stated the Tu Tu' Tun Lodge team.
Each compact cabin includes a double bed, a wetroom with a shower and toilet, a separate sink and vanity area, a small closet, and a side table with chairs. For outdoor relaxation, every cabin also has a small private patio or deck. These outdoor spaces are furnished with chairs and a fire pit.
Background on ÖÖD Cabins
ÖÖD is a company known for its prefabricated, mirrored glass cabins. These structures are often chosen for remote or natural settings due to their ease of installation and ability to blend visually into the landscape. Their design prioritizes immersion in nature while offering modern comforts.
Additional Amenities and Lodging Options
Beyond the new cabins, the lodge has also enhanced its other amenities. A mirrored wood-burning sauna, also from ÖÖD, has been placed near the rocky riverbank. This allows guests to enjoy a traditional sauna experience, with the option of a natural cold plunge in the river between sessions.
The main lodge continues to offer 18 guest rooms of various sizes and two suites. These accommodations retain a rustic aesthetic but have been updated with modern interiors. This blend of old and new ensures comfort while preserving the lodge's original charm.
For larger groups or families, Tu Tu' Tun Lodge offers four houses with two or three bedrooms. Two of these, Otter Point and Fern Creek Cottage, are newly constructed. They join existing residences, River House and Osprey Bend. These houses provide expansive common areas and amenities designed for group relaxation.
"With unparalleled views of the river and amenities designed to relax as a group, each charming lodge is outfitted with modern fixtures, and include expansive common areas like a wrap-around furnished deck with outdoor soaking tubs," the team highlighted.
Dining and Recreational Activities
The main lodge houses a restaurant led by Executive Chef Derek Piva. The restaurant operates on a "wilderness to table" philosophy, emphasizing ingredients sourced from Pacific Northwest farmers and local businesses. Guests can dine inside the wood-lined structure, next to a stone fireplace, or on an outdoor patio overlooking the river.
An outdoor swimming pool, located below the main lodge, also provides views of the water and the surrounding forested mountains. The area offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and river tours. These activities aim to fully immerse guests in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Environmental Integration
The mirrored design of the ÖÖD cabins helps them visually disappear into the landscape. This design choice aligns with the lodge's goal to envelop guests in nature, using natural textures and views. However, concerns about potential harm to wildlife due to mirrored surfaces have been raised in other locations.
The Appeal of Mirrored Cabins
Prefabricated mirrored cabins have become a popular choice for rural hotels and retreats globally. Their ease of installation on various terrains and their ability to blend into natural landscapes are key advantages. Examples of their use can be found in a glamping site in Quebec, a mountain retreat in China's Hubei province, and a vineyard in Uruguay.
While these structures offer unique aesthetic and immersive experiences, some critics express concern about their impact on local wildlife. Birds, for instance, may not perceive the mirrored surfaces as solid objects, leading to collisions. These environmental considerations are part of the ongoing discussion around sustainable tourism and architectural design in natural areas.
The Tu Tu' Tun Lodge aims to provide a serene and natural escape, combining modern design with the rustic charm of its 1970s origins. The addition of the ÖÖD cabins represents a significant step in enhancing this experience, offering guests a direct connection to the stunning Oregon landscape.
