An eco-timber company has partnered with an award-winning architectural firm to make a statement in Cardrona Valley.

A six-million-dollar development has been announced at Cardrona to showcase how local alternatives for imported old-growth cedar can withstand Central Otago’s harsh alpine climate.

The development by Abodo Wood and Arrowtown-based Assembly Architects includes a 102-square-metre showhome and seven stand-alone visitor accommodation chalets.

It will be the first Abodo development in the South Island, with construction of stage one (showhome) expected to begin in January 2019.

With the continued rapid growth of the Queenstown Lakes district, Abodo Wood director Daniel Gudsell says it’s exciting to be a part of Cardrona’s golden future.

“Our modified pine timber was designed to suit alpine conditions so the decision to invest in the region was a no-brainer,” he says.

“We’re trying to create a showcase development to demonstrate how these New Zealand plantation-grown timbers perform in the challenging ‘hot one day, cold the next’ environment.

“Most New Zealanders do not realise that much of the high-grade cedar used across the country is imported old-growth trees, which has damaging ecological, economic and cultural impacts.”

Reflecting the historic nature of the existing Cardrona township, the showhomes simple gable form is a contemporary interpretation of Central Otago’s rural huts and sheds.

Abodo’s Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified Vulcan Cladding will be used as exposed structure, panelling and screening for the exterior and interior.

The cladding is created from thermally modified New Zealand plantation timber to achieve exceptional weatherability and durability. The process uses heat and steam to avoid the use of toxic preservative chemicals.

With a shared love for natural materials, Assembly Architecture director Justin Wright says it’s great to be involved in the delivery of this project.

“Our approach to design is focussed around the craft of construction so it was fun to explore the different uses and forms of the natural cladding,” he says.

“We’ve stayed true to the property of the material while creating a high-performance thermal envelope to suit the climate of Cardrona’s alpine village.

“Planning for the chalets will commence early next year and will reflect the same sustainable aspirations as the showhome.”

© Scoop Media