Friedmutter Group’s design for ilani Casino Resort in Ridgefield, Wash., incorporates design elements inspired by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, co-developed the project with the Mohegan Tribe. Chuck Jones, senior vice president at Friedmutter Group, says, “The entrance area, the porch, takes its design cue from a blunt nose canoe.” It refers to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s historical means of transportation, canoes carved to move smoothly through white water rapids. Additionally, inside, light fixtures were inspired by woven basket headwear and the imagery of violet camas flowers is present in floor carpet.
Building materials included glazing, stone, wood and metal wall panels. Bassett Construction Inc. installed 75,000 square feet of Metl-Span’s 2.5-inch-thick CF Architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs) on the exterior. Two colors were used: Champagne and Medium Gray. “The Champagne color worked well in tandem with the stone, wood and other metal cladding elements,” Jones says.
