River Edge Dining Pavilion

The dining pavilion for River Edge restaurant overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Clark Fork River.  Nicknamed “The Eddy” the design captures the essence of river flowing around a rock formation along the riverbank.  The pavilion mimics the rocks while the outdoor dining creates a circular area of flow and gathering, reminiscent of an eddy, for patrons to congregate around the fire pit to enjoy a cocktail late into the evening.  The pavilion itself creates a sense of transparency and connectivity to river coursing below and patio via five large retractable door systems that allow for varying levels of protection from the weather during the shoulder season in Montana.

The structure consists of an elevated concrete deck with a steel moment frame support structure that is caped by a Mass Timber roof system.  The mass timber roof consists of 3-ply Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) which provides a juxtaposition between the warmth and richness of the fir/larch ceiling and the raw expression of the structural steel rafters.  Great care was taken while working with the Conservation District to ensure the perennial river was not impacted and the vegetation will thrive in its native habitat.