HK Architects designs mass timber office building for Chattanooga landmark destination, Ruby Falls. The project brings new methods of sustainable design to Chattanooga atop Lookout Mountain.

HK Architects is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the new Ruby Falls headquarters. Ruby Falls, a landmark destination for tourists and adventurers, is located in Chattanooga, TN, atop Lookout Mountain.

Rooted in sustainability, the new Ruby Falls corporate office is a mass-timber structure designed for LEED certification. Honoring the park’s 96-year legacy of inspiring extraordinary connections to nature, the building will seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor environments with Lookout Mountain’s natural setting. Featuring spaces for focused tasks, collaboration, and wellness, the design supports the mission-centered work of the Ruby Falls team and continued growth of the company in a sustainable framework.

Hugh Morrow, CEO of Ruby Falls, champions his team and sustainability as pillars of the company. "The design of the new administration building reflects the heart of Ruby Falls — inspiring meaningful connections with nature while caring for the environment that surrounds us,” Morrow said. “Through thoughtful design by Heidi Hefferlin and the HK team and the use of sustainable Mass Timber construction, we’re creating a workspace that empowers our team to do mission-centered work now and into the decades ahead.”

Key Features: This project is designed to achieve LEED Silver status, meaning it is designed to meet sustainability standards including energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable and human centric material selections, natural habitat protection, and indoor environmental quality. LEED is a globally recognized green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The new headquarters will be constructed using Mass Timber, a sustainable building method new to the Chattanooga area. This lower-carbon construction technique uses engineered wood components known for their strength, durability, versatility, and sustainability. The Mass Timber approach has enabled the design to embrace a smaller footprint with minimal tree removal, creating a longer, more compact volume than would be possible with traditional wood construction methods. The Cypress used in the Mass Timber structure has been ethically and responsibly sourced within 500 miles of the project site.

According to Heidi Hefferlin, HK principal and architect of record on this project, the firm is particularly excited about introducing this innovative construction method to the area. "HK is excited to bring Mass Timber to Chattanooga in such a beautiful setting," Hefferlin said. "The Ruby Falls team and the HK team are aligned in many ways, but most importantly, we jointly recognize that we want to build a building that exists harmoniously with its setting; both by respecting the site's context and history and by respecting the importance of sustainability."

Project Information

• Location: Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.
• Project Size/Scope: The building will be 14,500 square feet and include private and shared office spaces, conference and focus rooms, a large break room and covered porches with diverse seating for relaxation, and a fitness center to promote wellness within the team.
• Contractor/Partners: HK Architects (Architecture, Interior Design), P&S Engineering (MEP/FP Engineering), Studio 323 Architecture & Design (LEED Consultant), March Adams (Structural Engineering), Miller McCoy (Civil Engineering), CSDG (Landscape Architecture), Sterling Structural (Structural Engineer), Stone Mill (Mass Timber Engineering Consultant and Fabricator), JC Curtis Construction (General Contractor)

Construction Schedule

Project Timeline

• Start Date: July 2025
• Estimated Completion: August 2026
• Total Duration: 14 Months

Construction Phases

1. Phase 1 – Site Work and Traffic Improvements July 2025 – August 2025
   Traffic improvements include the driveway entrance to the new headquarters and Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls. Site work will include minimal tree removal as well as creating retaining walls matching the existing architectural language of the park. 

1. Phase 2 – Mass Timber Construction: August 2025-December 2025
   Mass Timber framing will span 20 weeks.
2. Phase 3 – Construction (Landscape, Exteriors, and Interiors) January 2026-August 2026

Key Milestones

• December 2025 – Completion of Mass Timber framing