Eco-Friendly Bed & Breakfast Selects Mass Ply for Their Roof Design
Photo provided by Schommer & Sons
The Ground collective at Tabula Rasa Farms encompasses a variety of locations and experiences in Yamhill County, Oregon — all designed to foster connection between visitors and nature. In 2024, the farm added a luxurious bed and breakfast to the property, playfully titled Inn the Ground. The new nine-bedroom B&B provides multiple wellness programs and dining options, as well as a stunning view of the collective’s pastures and regenerative farm, allowing guests to truly appreciate the landscape up close.
“Guests can explore various wooded trails through the hills, watch cattle graze, and taste the delicious abundance of the Willamette Valley with a farm fresh breakfast,” says Ian Douglas, the preconstruction manager with Schommer & Sons, the contractor for Inn the Ground.
Photo provided by Schommer & Sons
While Inn the Ground does offer multiple events, tours, educational programs, and more that help people connect with nature, the architectural design of the inn also compliments its surroundings. The design team sourced various local materials for the structure, such as Western Hemlock for the exterior siding, Oregon White Oak for the interior trim, and Douglas Fir Mass Ply for the roof. Additionally, they incorporated sustainable features like a green roof, solar array, and stormwater collection.
“Large glazing areas on the south and west faces bring in natural light, provide passive heating, and give views of Mount Hood,” says Douglas. “The apparent design choice was to have the B&B set into the earth so that it can blend in and harmonize with the landscape.”
Photo provided by Schommer & Sons
Among these environmental design choices, Inn the Ground used Freres Engineered Wood’s Mass Ply. The innovative mass timber product provided the roof structure for the B&B’s covered south patio, but the design team also selected Mass Ply because of its eco-conscious qualities. “[MPP was selected] for being able to combine structural support and achieve a low profile roof system while utilizing a sustainable and attractive local material,” says Douglas. The patio’s ceiling features beautiful exposed MPP, blending in seamlessly with the neighboring fir trees and providing yet another biophilic element in the inn’s design.
Freres Engineered Wood has maintained a deep love and respect for Oregon forests for more than 100 years. The team is appreciative of the opportunity to partner with local businesses like The Ground who share this admiration and design buildings that truly honor the environment.
Download a PDF of the Nature-Friendly Bed & Breakfast Selects Mass Ply for Their Roof Design