| Bush
Retreat Easy on the Environment
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| 13 March 2003 | ||
| Three
new architecturally designed ridgetop retreats in South Australia's
Deep Creek Conservation Park offer the comforts of home in the middle
of a national park, while minimising their impact on the environment.
The three holiday cabins sit side by side on the Fleurieu Peninsula, a 90 minute drive south from Adelaide, and use a combination of steel and glass to blend with the surrounds and minimise disturbance to the native bushland. The most striking feature of the fully self-contained cabins is their use of COLORBOND® steel in the colour Birch for the curved roof and for the front and side wall cladding. Renowned architect Max Pritchard designed the award-winning retreats. "It was important for the cabins to be energy efficient and self-sufficient - using rainwater tanks, solar-heated hot water, wood fires and efficient waste water treatment - as well as to minimise impact on the delicate bush surrounds," Mr Pritchard said. "The use of lightweight materials responded well to the aesthetics of the environment." COLORBOND® steel has been developed by BHP Steel as a lightweight, thermally efficient cladding material. Max Pritchard, an award-winning architect - regularly uses COLORBOND® steel to complete his designs because of its aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. "It is important buildings are designed with the surrounding environment in mind," Mr Pritchard said. "COLORBOND® steel offers a flexible, environmentally-friendly solution that is easy to work with." A large glass façade at the front of the north-facing cabins maximises sunlight into the retreats and allows guests to appreciate the stunning views. Inside, the cabins feature two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a joint kitchen/dining area which was designed to open up to the natural surrounds. The holiday cabins won an Award of Merit in the Royal Australian Institute of Architects 2002 Commercial Architecture award. Innovation in both concept and design impressed the judges. "The Deep Creek Conservation Park holiday cabins introduce a fresh dimension to the design of holiday accommodation in South Australia," the judges commented. "Through the use of lightweight materials, the design responds well to the site, maximising indoor/outdoor views which heighten the appreciation of the bush." The cabins were also listed in House & Gardens' top 25 Getaways in Australia in 2002. For more information contact: OR Jane Formato & Barry Duykers
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