In the spring of 2009, we were asked to create a model guest room for Yosemite Lodge at the Falls that felt “homey, cozy, and fresh” and “not like hotel rooms” while integrating all the water and energy saving technology available. The two successful prototype “green” guest rooms we created (one standard, and one ADA compliant) are the product of a tremendous amount of research, and were the first sustainable guest rooms anywhere in a National Park. We worked to make those rooms more functional, comfortable, and attractive, and while much of what makes those rooms green isn’t visible to the eye, there’s a green story connected to every single we placed in them — from the fibers in the carpet and the paint on the walls, to the furnishings, bed linens, draperies, lamps, plumbing fixtures, countertops, soap dispensers, electronics, recycling containers – everything.

These green guest rooms were launched on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day with guided media tours and other fanfare, and our design served as a template for the renovation of the property’s remaining 247 guest rooms – an ambitious, $10 million project completed in 2014 which resulted in guest accommodations which garner compliments daily from satisfied guests.Screen Shot 2015-02-27 at 6.25.38 PMYoLo ExteriorYoLo guest room porch furniture

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Old Hickory PRYoLo green room concept rendering

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