IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION VISITORS CENTER

Doug Hardin, P.E., Director of Engineering

Idaho’s Lake Cascade State Park, situated north of Boise in the Boise National

Forest, offers seasonal activities year-round to over 300,000 recreational

enthusiasts. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Lake Cascade Visitor Center was envisioned to engage and support visitors with the park’s multiple amenities. Tamarack Grove Engineering (TGE) was charged to design the center while addressing key needs to create a 24/7 information and reception hub, dedicated community areas, and office space for staff. Additionally, an onsite workshop and large equipment storage were crucial to maintain the park’s 27,000 acres of facilities.

OVERCOMING MOUNTAINOUS ENVIRONMENT

The location of the park in a high mountain area necessitated the design of all structures to withstand the harsh environment. Despite the utilitarian purpose of the visitor center, aesthetics remained a key consideration and the structural design required the facility to handle 150 pounds per square foot of snow load, manage piling snow, and combat excessive moisture.

TGE implemented unique detailing requirements to blend structural integrity with beauty. Concealed strapping and hangars gave the appearance of long cantilevered roofs magically supporting heavy snow loads. Meticulously designed roofs with limited deflection under significant snow loads were used to prevent snow buildup in front of access points. The remote location benefited by the TGE team accessing the site during construction, allowing them to resolve issues quickly, collaborate with contractors and architects to devise solutions on-the-spot and ensure the project remained on schedule.

MATERIAL INNOVATIONS

To counteract the extreme toll mountainous environments can place on building components, the

TGE team specified materials with proven longevity and lower maintenance needs.

Board-formed concrete created the architectural aesthetic for the walls while supporting the entire

structure, and metal roofing allowed the team to tie exposed timber elements into the design reflecting the natural beauty and appeal of the surrounding landscape while providing needed strength. Inspired by the region’s logging history, TGE incorporated exposed steel elements mixed with timber.

The climate swing, ranging from sub-zero to 100+ degrees, called for a mix of differing materials — timber, steel, and concrete — in unconventional ways and equally challenging approaches. Concrete, while necessary, was used sparingly to prevent cracking due to expected movement over time. To counteract the potential degradation of timber and wood elements, the team specified timber support columns clad with concrete on the lower portion to limit exposure to snow-caused moisture.

CRAFTING THE INTERIOR AND ENTRY

The interior design capitalized on the stunning views, balancing the architect’s vision with structural integrity. When plumbing lines needed rerouting, TGE integrated them into the framing to keep them hidden. The main glass entry doors, flanked by large glass panes accented with wood beams, were designed for nearly zero deflection to avoid damage from snow loads. The visitor center operates 24/7 but is only staffed during park hours. To provide needed security and separation between public areas and private office space, TGE designed an innovative floating gate system tied to exposed timbers without compromising visual appeal.

The new 3,000-square-foot visitor center significantly enhances the park’s accessibility and visitor experience. TGE’s dedication and expertise ensured the facility met the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation’s vision while providing a harmonious blend of functionality, beauty, and resilience in a challenging environment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Doug Hardin, P.E., serves as Director of Engineering at TGE. He specializes in building design and analysis of both gravity and lateral load resisting systems and has worked with many different clients and types of projects as a project manager working with heavy timber, masonry, steel, light gauge steel, SIPS, IFC, and more.