The Wayback
Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
The Wayback, located in Pigeon Forge, is inspired by Palm Springs motels circa 1950-1960. The goal of this 135 key hotel is to provide elevated hospitality that appeals to adults as well as children, and offers an oasis in the midst of the frenzied energy of Pigeon Forge.
Awards Year | 2024
Project Statement
Inspired by the roadside motels and mid-century architecture of Palm Springs, along with the eclectic energy of Pigeon Forge, the hotel’s renovation openly embraces nostalgia and eccentricity to create a vibrant oasis with a strong sense of character.
In the lobby, a colorful and intentional clash of patterns and color defines the interior aesthetic. The mid-century inspired finish palette includes terrazzo, breeze blocks and warm wood tones. Custom designed sofas reflect the low-slung designs of the area, while loose furniture can be easily rearranged to provide flexibility. Whimsical pendant lights fill the space with a warm glow and the decor reflects a sophisticated kitsch.
In the restaurant an assortment of seating options offer a variety of experiences for guests, including cocktail height tables and chairs for a casual, laid-back dining style. Two existing structural walls, initially a design challenge, were optimized to create an intimate seating nook within the high traffic restaurant.
While the public areas are meant to amplify, the guestrooms dial back the volume to focus on relaxation. The design team implemented a serene palette of muted tones, white oak, and curvy shapes to create a refuge for rejuvenation. Custom furniture with radius edges and organic forms were fabricated by a local vendor. The custom colored area rugs were inspired by Great Smoky Mountain sunsets. Art and accessories in each room bring in the funky character of Pigeon Forge.
The building’s courtyard is centered around a heavily modified existing pool. Custom cabanas are outfitted with a mix of lounge furniture, offering guests a personal and playful experience. The retro feel and colors of the hotel spill out here as well, tying the entirety of the property together. Luscious landscaping reminiscent of the tropics is the final layer which calls back to the Palm Springs inspiration.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
**The Wayback Hotel promotes three facets within the framework for Design Excellence. The project supports Design for Economy by being a renovation project. All parts of the existing building, including all room layouts down to their plumbing locations were reused, minimizing the use of resources and embodied carbon through construction. All 135 guestrooms utilized an in-state furniture fabricator which further minimized the carbon emissions associated with the FF&E transportation from factory to the project site, while also supporting the local economy. Within the second framework, Design for Well-being, the design implements multiple actions within each of the focused topics. Each guestroom utilizes a high reflective value paint scheme, provides increased occupant comfort through individual thermostats and operable windows, and are intentionally designed for restoration and respite. Movement throughout the building utilizes exterior corridors and vertical circulation. The on-site restaurant, open to both guests and the public, offers healthy, elevated food options within an area not historically known for this. Indoor and outdoor seating offer a variety of spaces and furniture configurations for dining and socializing. All of these design aspects culminate in the final framework, Design for Integration. Through collaborative, multidisciplinary team including landscape, architecture, interior design and branding, the final design solution brings to life a colorful, layered concept that embraces nostalgia while paying homage to the quirky character of Pigeon Forge. The intentional clash of pattern of the lobby, the serene palette of the guestrooms and the whimsical exteriors- including breeze blocks, a multi-colored pool deck, and landscaping evocative of lush tropical landscapes all bring a delight to the senses.**
LEED/Green Certifications
N/A
Photo Captions
1. Image 7: The existing porte cochere is stripped back to a minimal palette in order to make the new neon lighting an intentional focal point. New breeze block wall and landscaping create screening between the street and courtyard.
2. Image 8: The underside of the porte cochere concentrates color of the exterior paint scheme, creating emphasis at the arrival. Large windows to the lobby carry the color through, creating a strong connection between the exterior and interior while also providing daylighting opportunities.
3. Image 9: Left photo:
Flexible seating can be arranged around custom, low-slung banquettes that emulate design from the mid-century era.
Right photo:
The reception desk is clad in concrete terrazzo. The interior color palette, patterned wallpaper and artwork all provide an instant touch point for the brand.
1. Image 10:
The bar seamlessly connects the reception and lobby areas to Lobby's resturarant outlet, The Paloma.
Bar height seating in addition to a lowered ADA section and lounge seating offer a variety of accessible dining options for guests.
1. Image 11:
A multicolored slab and artificial turf installed around an existing pool upgrades the outdoor amenity area. A new wood fence with horizontal slatting encloses the space and provides a sense of privacy.
Rent-able cabanas, covered dining areas and reclining lounge chairs offer support for a variety of social interactions
1. Image 12:
Pool cabanas are installed over artificial turf for softness and a connection to nature.
1. Image 13:
Suites were renovated to accommodate existing features such as fireplaces and existing plumbing locations. Resilient flooring was installed for clean-ability from the exterior corridors. Dining and lounge areas support activity for families and groups of travelers.
1. Image 14:
Relaxation is paramount to the design of the guest rooms. The palette is a muted contrast to the energy of the lobby. Soft colors, curvy forms and a striped down sensibility support the design as a function of rest and rejuvenation.
1. Image 15:
Accent colors are implemented through accessories and artwork. The project features a custom artwork package designed through a collaborative process between the design team, ownership and art vendor.
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