Kinloch Lodge

Kinloch Lodge

Taupō

The Kinloch Club: This golf course was designed by Jack Nicklaus in 2005 and is considered his finest southern hemisphere course. The development of the course led to this design for an extended Clubhouse, lodge facility and central spa, surrounded by 52 duplex rooms, 20 of which have been constructed so far.

The Lodge is situated on an exposed south facing rocky escarpment high above the golf in synergy with the course’s tundra landscape. It is constructed of bagged stone on blockwork and punctuated by turret like chimneys, juxtaposition is found within its stature; strong and resistant whilst pragmatic and romantic.

The building wraps around itself to form a sheltered internal courtyard, with a series of strategically placed terraces to catch northern and western sunshine as well as views of the striking landscape. Inside, a sequence of rectangular rooms, deep window bays and intimate transitional spaces seem hewed from the stone. Volume is unveiled and flattered by the panorama viewed though series of openings that cut right through the body of the building.

In bright weathers, large pocket sliders are opened to welcome in the cool breeze descending across the north island. Access to a subterranean spa is from a cedar wood arcade, furnishings were selected by Virginia Fisher in the tradition of New Zealand’s lodging heritage.

The duplex units are housed in black stained cedar boxes arranged along the western slope of the escarpment all enjoying sunshine and views via double sided outdoor living spaces. Their intention is to blend in with the developments planned birch forest.

Completed
2015

Awards

NZIA Residential and Commercial Award, 2017

Commercial Project Award, Tourism, Silver Winner, 2017

Sir Miles Warren Award for Architecture, 2017

Photography

Simon Devitt