The Ritz-Carlton Highlands Hotel, Club and Residences, Lake Tahoe, California

In the master plan and building design for the functional and symbolic core of the Highlands area of Northstar-Lake Tahoe, Hornberger + Worstell has placed 175 luxury hotel rooms and 145 residential units to minimize both ecological and visual impact on the landscape. The siting preserves landmark trees and rock formations, while making the buildings themselves unobtrusive as seen from the surrounding slopes. Parking beneath the buildings minimizes impermeable surfaces and night sky pollution; once out of their cars, residents and guests enjoy an intimate, pedestrian setting, with conference and ballroom spaces, two full-service restaurants, après ski bar, fitness center, spa, and ski-in, ski-out access.