Lapham Lodge

The Lapham Lodge is a new 6,000-square-foot, multi-functional facility located within the 1,100-acre Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Officially opened in the spring of 2025, the lodge was developed through a close collaboration between the Friends of Lapham Peak and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to better serve the park’s nearly 674,000 annual visitors, including skiers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Though modest in scale, the project presented several unique design and construction challenges. The building features a distinctive monoslope roof constructed with structural insulated panels (SIPs)—a rare and energy-efficient choice that also allowed for exposed, industrial-style roof trusses, giving the interior a bold architectural character. GRAEF provided structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services, ensuring the building’s systems were seamlessly integrated into its innovative design.

Site conditions added complexity to the construction process. A high water table required extensive de-watering efforts, and over-excavation was necessary to remove organic soils and bring the sub-grade up to a stable level. Despite these challenges, the project team delivered a durable, functional, and visually striking facility that now serves as a central hub for recreation, education, and community engagement—harmoniously integrated into the natural beauty of the Kettle Moraine landscape.