Architects: Max Pritchard Architect

Location: Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia

Engineering Consultant: Engineers Pocius & Associates

Project year: 2008

Project Area: 1,548 sqm

Photographs: Sam Noonan & George Apostolidis

Southern Ocean Lodge is being described as Australia’s first “Super Lodge”; and has already been named by Tatler Magazine following a worldwide survey as Hotel of the Year 2009.

The architecture relates closely with the dramatic site. Tucked back behind forty metre high cliffs, large sweeping window walls capturing the expansive views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine bush. A strong sculptural element is the one hundred metre long wall of Kangaroo Island limestone weaving from a covered entrance, through the largely untouched bush and into the Main Lodge.

Twenty one guest suites cascade down the slope from the Main Lodge, with access from a Breezeway ramp. Roofs follow the slope of the land, but with a gentle upward, wave-like curve every fourth suite.

The Lodge is independent of mains services: rainwater is collected, electricity is generated on site and waste water is treated by a unique organic waste treatment system. The guest suites are constructed of light weight materials that could be carried in, minimizing site disturbance. Foundations are steel screw piles, framing is timber, cladding is iron and fibre cement, and flooring is recycled timber and stone.