The gateway to a Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area.
Though the project involved the revival of a derlict former Antarctic training facility destined for demolition, the development of Thousand Lakes Lodge was focused on minimal site impact. In keeping with best environmental practices, Cumulus Studio designed all of the new uses of the site to be constructed within the existing building envelope.
Minimal work has been undertaken to the exterior of the building. This is a deliberate response to emphasise the contrast between the new interior and the existing exterior – the distressed condition a testament to the harsh environment in which the building is located.
Much of the project involved consultation with various building performance consultants to integrate new services, and thermal and acoustic treatments to the existing building to meet current building requirements.
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Sonya Ambrose, Alice Hanson
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Existing mezzanine bunk rooms were reorganised to create new accommodation rooms with ensuites, and additional accommodation rooms were integrated into the ground floor. An upgraded kitchen and amenities support the existing main lounge and bar area, and an additional new multipurpose lounge space was created within the existing building envelope.
A deliberate design decision throughout was to do as little as necessary to control budget and maintain the existing ‘bones’ of the building. Additional window openings were inserted carefully to allow more light in without interrupting the original rhythm of partitioned single skin log cladding. Externally, the building has been left in original condition, still bearing the scars of a harsh alpine climate. Internally, dark painted surfaces are used to settle and contain visitors from the often windy and exposed environment.
Here, visitors to the Lodge can smell the crisp air, feel spongy moss underfoot, taste the fresh stream water, touch the ancient dolerite boulders, and see the wildlife and ever changing weather.
A better night's sleep.
