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Andrew Burns Architecture has completed construction of two lightweight steel and timber framed lodges in the remote Tasman National Park.

Commissioned by leading private tourism operator, Tasmanian Walking Company, the project has set a new benchmark in the remote tourism sector.

The two Three Capes lodges sit atop spectacular dolorite cliff top sites, up to 300m above the sea, accessed by the newly constructed Three Capes Track. The buildings are designed to play a secondary role to the heroic landscape in which they sit, yet offer a unique guest experience on the edge of this grand natural theatre.

The buildings step gently down the hill, following the natural topography, holding close to the contour and enabling the roof lines to sit below the tree canopy. Further visual softening is provided through the varying stain of timber batten screens, avoiding the presence of large undifferentiated surfaces and ensuring that the buildings blend with the natural landscape. Potential impacts on park visitor experience were identified and mitigated through a detailed viewshed analysis process, assessing visual impact from all key scenic and track locations.

As this is a highly sensitive environment, with rugged terrain, fragile plant, animal and ecosystems, a large proportion of construction and fabrication occurred off-site, via full volumetric prefabrication, panelised components and conventional steel and aluminium fabrication. All materials were brought to site via helicopter.

Predominantly constructed with non-reflective Tasmanian materials, the lodges feature suspended floors to ensure minimal ground disturbance. All servicing systems, water tanks and battery store are in a sub floor beneath the main level of each building, with open lower decks also functioning as a helipad for supply drop-off and removal of all waste.

Images courtesy of Luke Tscharke