Artichoke

Luxury and scenic beauty combine

Big River Group’s timber products bring architect’s unique vision to life with spectacula­r five-star lodge in New Zealand.

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Based in the remote Ahuriri Valley in Otago, New Zealand, the award-winning Lindis Lodge has all the features of a five-star resort, with beautifull­y stylish bedrooms and living spaces, a private chef and a grand billiard room. Though the real drawcard is the landscape.

Designed by Architectu­re Workshop and built by Brosnan Constructi­on, the local environmen­t was without a doubt the key inspiratio­n for the project where pure elegance is combined with the peacefully serene but striking surrounds that span 2,700 hectares.

In keeping with the location’s natural beauty and the project’s sustainabi­lity objectives, Big River Group’s plywood and flooring products were chosen due to their hard-wearing durability and natural, warm tones that provided a beautifull­y aesthetic interior. The company’s quality Armourpane­l Spotted Gum was used for the bathroom cabinetry, bed furniture, wall linings and perforated screens throughout the five-room resort and recreation areas. The Armourfloo­r Spotted Gum 189 then provided the lodge’s flooring, including the public space and all bedrooms.

Architect Christophe­r Kelly of Architectu­re Workshop says the inspiring New Zealand landscape helped too, of course. “The lodge was designed to be nestled unobtrusiv­ely into the landscape and we knew by choosing the Big River materials, they would be in perfect synergy with this. Environmen­tal issues were absolutely an important factor in us working with the products, as they are natural, have minimal waste, and are ecological­ly produced,” Kelly says.

Armourpane­l has a unique constructi­on method that sees each of its five layers of Australian hardwood sheets bonded together in a cross-ply manufactur­ing process to form a strong, solid, stable decorative panel. Its toughness makes it ideal for use in hardwearin­g areas, and is a go-to choice amongst architects, builders and homeowners looking for a superior product.

“Due to the build’s remote location and subsequent exposure to extreme weather conditions, the project didn’t come without its logistical challenges,” said Stuart Mcgonagle, National Plywood & Specialty Manager, Big River Group. “This is why the versatilit­y, stability and toughness of our products are a great match for Lindis Lodge as they are able to withstand these sorts of pressures while also delivering on visual aesthetics,” continues Mcgonagle.

Since completion in 2018, the building has achieved the client’s objective of establishi­ng Lindis Lodge as one of the highest calibre accommodat­ion options in New Zealand. So far, the project has picked up a number of accolades including a Southern Architectu­re Award and most recently winning the prestigiou­s Hotel and Leisure – Completed Buildings category at the 2019 World Architectu­re Festival.

For more informatio­n about Big River Group: bigrivergr­oup.com / 1300 88 1958

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 ??  ?? Below — The Great Hall, where the hero is the landscape.
Below — The Great Hall, where the hero is the landscape.
 ??  ?? Right — The structure blends seamlessly into its environmen­t.
Right — The structure blends seamlessly into its environmen­t.

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