Cardrona Cabin, Queenstown, New Zealand

Built in the often harsh and changeable alpine climate of New Zealand’s South Island, our goal was to highlight the durability and incredibly high performance of our New Growth Feature Timbers™.

Five years on, that’s exactly what we found, with the cabin demonstrating the strength and beauty of an alternative to ancient old growth timbers.

It's slatted Vulcan® Screening has been designed to age and weather to match the grey tones of its rocky environment, while the concrete base is imprinted with the grained texture of timber formwork. Its interior radiates warmth, texture and heart, with an exposed timber structure and highly grained timber panelling evocative of the sarking in historical cottages in the area.

After exposure to rain, frequent fog, and harsh sun, Cardrona Cabin has taken on a patina finish. The timber has silvered off to a tone that merges beautifully with the forested and tussocked surroundings of this rural location, complementing its pale grey steel roof.

The speed at which this even, silvered look is achieved depends on exposure to weather, but in most climates, it is well on its way after a year.

Predominantly manufactured from glue laminated sections, the Vulcan timber cabin also stores a considerable amount of CO₂e.

Over 9 tonnes of carbon is stored in the Vulcan timber elements alone, dramatically offsetting the small amounts of concrete and structural steel used in the building. It is also powered by the sun, with energy stored in a small cabin tucked neatly behind the structure.

Since it was built five years ago, Cardrona Cabin has weathered the extremes: regular winter snowfalls and heavy summer sun. Still, its exterior elements remain straight and true.

Featured project: Cardrona Cabin, Queenstown