Plywood and flooring products from Big River Group were specified for a luxuriously appointed lodge located in the remote Ahuriri Valley in Otago, New Zealand.

Combining the grandeur and luxury of a five-star resort with the solitude and scenic beauty of New Zealand’s glacier, the award-winning Lindis Lodge features stylish bedrooms and living spaces inside, and an awe-inspiring landscape outside.

The project, which is designed by Architecture Workshop and built by Brosnan Construction, takes inspiration from the local environment – over 2,700 hectares of serenity and striking natural beauty. Keeping the beautiful New Zealand landscape and the project’s sustainability goals in mind, Big River Group’s plywood and flooring products were chosen for their hardwearing durability and natural, warm tones that provided a beautiful interior aesthetic.

Big River’s quality Armourpanel Spotted Gum was used for the bathroom cabinetry, bed furniture, wall linings and perforated screens throughout the five-star resort’s rooms and recreation areas. The ArmourFloor Spotted Gum 189 provided the lodge’s flooring, including the public spaces and all bedrooms.

“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,” explained architect Chris Kelly of Architecture Workshop.

One of Australia’s strongest decorative plywoods, Armourpanel features a unique construction 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. Based on its strength, the plywood is often recommended for applications in hardwearing areas, and is also 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 and 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.”

Completed in 2018, Lindis Lodge has quickly become one of the highest calibre accommodation options in New Zealand, while picking up several honours along the way including a Southern Architecture Award and the prestigious Hotel and Leisure – Completed Buildings category at the 2019 World Architecture Festival.