River Runners

Located in Browns Canyon, Colorado, River Runners Grill is a thoughtfully designed restaurant integrated into the River Runners rafting site. As the business has grown over the past few years, the client sought a venue where rafters and families could enjoy food and drinks, and also host special events such as weddings.

The restaurant is strategically positioned to preserve the existing trees, with the bar and seating area oriented to provide direct views of the Arkansas River, optimizing the natural beauty of the site. The new kitchen and bar are designed to offer a diverse menu for daily visitors, families, and special events, including live music venues.

Challenges included the site's constraints for the location and building size due to the existing topography and trees. The design needed to accommodate various layouts for dining, weddings, and concerts while maintaining the site's laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, which had to coexist with the potential for special and high-end events.

The design inspiration blends the relaxed spirit of a Tulum tiki bar with earthy Colorado architecture. Using materials such as wood, stone, stucco, and an earthy tone palette, the design achieves a beach-side look while the final architectural details, finishes, and lighting contribute to a distinguished and sophisticated appearance.


Main dining area with views towards the Arkansas River.

Main dining area with views towards the Arkansas River.

Site Plan - River Runners restaurant is Building #4

DISCOVERY

  • Site survey study (constraints, trees, topography, rock wall design)

  • Colorado arch-style +Tulum bar style for precedents

  • Local materials

  • Users/clientele (routine, desires, wants, likes, dislikes, expectations, lifestyle, age etc)

  • Study and establish program with minimum sqft

  • Code, regulations, requirements

  • 4 season space?

PRECEDENT

LIBRARY

  • Objective: desirability, feasibility, viability

  • Building placement

  • Study sun path

  • Roof shape and building borders

  • Kitchen design

  • Materiality

  • Program - effective connections and opportunities - flow

  • 3D modeling and floorplan layouts

  • Furniture layouts for different venues

  • Design portrays Colorado + Tiki Bar + Tulum

COORDINATION

  • Bar design

  • Lighting design and fixtures

  • Color palette

  • Bathroom design

  • Fireplace materials

  • Renderings

  • Wood types

  • Double-check vibe - look and feel

  • Visit site. Take pictures, videos, notes

  • Understand the user + the program + desires + challenges

RESEARCH

4

DESIGN ITERATIONS

  • Internal - external coordination

  • Surveyor

  • Structural engineers

  • MEP engineers

  • Contractor

  • Suppliers

  • Kitchen designer

  • Kitchen staff

  • Client

  • Internal teams( design, and PM)

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

5

1

Existing Conditions

River Runners, nestled in Browns Canyon, Colorado, is a thriving river rafting destination. The atmosphere we discovered was one of relaxation seeking summer adventures by the river.

User

The primary users of this location are the regular rafting clientele, often families and who stay for several nights. Additionally, there has been a growing number of customers who utilize this venue for weddings or live music events.

Program

The site features river rafting facilities, a campsite, a Riverside Grill, outdoor event spaces, a volleyball court, a shop, and administration buildings.

Desires

Enhance the overall experience to meet the growing clientele demands.

1. Develop guest lodges offering scenic river views.

2. Expand and revamp the Riverside Grill to create a vibrant space with options for year-round use.

3. Redesign the landscape to optimize outdoor event spaces.

Challenges

1.Harmonize Colorado-style architecture with a Tulum-inspired tiki bar.

2. Design spaces that cater to both casual rafting clientele and those seeking elegant wedding experiences.

3. Strategically place buildings without disrupting existing conditions.

4. Re-design Riverside Grill with a larger kitchen facility.

5. Create versatile spaces with adaptable layouts to accommodate various types of events (4-season building).

3

6

2

Location

Browns Canyon, CO

Year
2023