Tetherow Sport
Tetherow Sport is the resort pool and fitness center for the Tetherow boutique hotels. SZABO Landscape Architecture was commissioned to create an exterior pool and spa environment that would feel as memorable as the high‑desert setting itself, a vision recognized with the 2016 High Desert Design Council Award for Best Landscape Design. Working closely with the ownership team and architect Darren Thomas, SZABO helped site and size the building, choreograph circulation, and program a series of outdoor rooms that extend the resort experience well beyond its walls.
Location: Bend, OR
Project Partners
Architect: Darren Thomas Architecture + Planning
Builder: Sunwest Builders
Photography: Cheryl McIntosh
The pool was located on the southwest side of the building to capture expansive mountain views and generous afternoon sun, using the 1.1‑acre site’s subtle north–south slope to our advantage by creating tiered lounge terraces that step down toward the water. At the highest point, a Brazilian hardwood cabana deck overlooks the crisp geometry of the heated lap pool, while a broad, 40‑foot‑wide stair connects this upper lounge to the main pool deck, where the recreation center’s café opens directly onto the outdoor space.
Throughout the project, SZABO blended contemporary and regional materials to bridge the resort’s Northwest lodge architecture with a modern spa aesthetic—pairing warm wood and local stone with clean concrete planters, glass tile accents, and refined metal railings. The equipment building became part of the guest experience through a planted green roof, outdoor shower, and raised planters that double as seat walls, while firepits and deep seating are distributed across the terraces, allowing small groups to gather throughout the day or night.
Because the site is compact, careful attention was paid to detail and versatility. Custom drainage solutions are integrated into the paving, pool coping is engraved for a tailored finish, and stone and glass tile detailing reinforces the sense of craftsmanship at the water’s edge. A variety of seating and lounging options allows the space to flex between quiet weekday use and peak‑season crowds, giving this relatively small pool terrace an elegant, timeless character that feels both luxurious and relaxed.
View Brasada Ranch Pool