Humbird at Schweitzer
Humbird features a contemporary design by Skylab Architecture using mass timber construction, offering ski-in, ski-out accommodations and modern amenities in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Humbird, Schweitzer’s new destination hotel, represents the next evolution in mountain architecture: familiar forms reimagined through a composition of precision-fabricated natural materials for a 21st century solution. Located 1.5 hours northeast of Spokane and set within the Rockies of Northern Idaho at the nexus of two distinct ranges, the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains, the location offers ready access to year-round recreation opportunities.
Working with Schweitzer to develop a masterplan for future development, including the hotel and support facilities, Humbird begins the transformation that redefines the mountain experience. Leveraging the properties of mass timber construction—beauty, sustainability, and structural efficiency—the complex brings together tradition and innovative materials in a contemporary, future-forward expression.
The 31-unit, 66,580-square-foot hotel is a ski-in, ski-out hotel that provides on-slope accommodations as well as hospitality and support services to reframe Schweitzer as a year-round destination. Anchoring the Schweitzer village, the bar-shaped hotel takes advantage of the steep site by nestling into a notch cut into the slope, creating space for a covered parking garage. The hotel’s exterior is shaped by an exposed wood structure, board-formed concrete, metal panels, and large expanses of glass. Primary gathering spaces feature exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT), including ceiling planes and glulam beams and columns to evoke a familiar lodge-like aesthetic.
The lobby and welcome area are situated atop the below-ground parking area. Inside, the interiors take inspiration from classic ski equipment and fashion, including the bright ski suits of the late 20th century. Guest rooms are arranged over three floors offering views of nearby Lake Pend Oreille. Bracketing the hotel are two amenity areas, the Glass Room—the hotel’s family/living area and a place for guests to relax and play games—and on the opposite end of the building, the Crow’s Bench—the hotel’s signature 50-seat restaurant—where guests are able make the most of après-ski or -bike, or take advantage of the adjacent 15-seat bar and lounge areas, which cozies up to a grand fireplace. Other amenities include an indoor retreat/co-working space, and a small fitness facility. A third floor outdoor terrace features an oversized hot tub affording views of the surrounding mountain landscape and Lake Pend Oreille below.
Design: Skylab Architecture
Design Team: Jeff Kovel, Brent Grubb, Jamin Aasum, Jill Asselineau, Kyle Rodrigues, Vaughan Reynolds, Sabrina Cheung, Jacob Semler, Benjamin Halpern, Marian Jones, Amy Devall, Katherine Park, and Janell Widmer
Landscape Architects: THK Associates
Contractor: Jackson Contractor Group
Photography: Jeremy Bittermann
