Mount Mulligan QLD 4871
Australia
Overview
Made from a mixture of salvaged wharf timber, hardwood glulam, and charred timber cladding, the Mt Mulligan resort has a simple form, with beautiful detailing and finishes.
The simple barn like structure is uniquely Australian, but with a restrained elegance in its execution.
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Structure
The large Guest Pavilions’ primary structure is constructed from large iron bark timber sections, salvaged from the demolished Pyrmont Bay wharf in Sydney, showcasing rusted bolts, and notches from its former life. The salvaged timber was acquired in the early stages of the design process, with the sizes and aesthetic qualities of the timber influencing the design direction and outcome. Using the recycled timber as primary structural elements added an additional layer of history and character to the building.
Ten-metre mixed hardwood, glue laminated, timber roof rafters provide large overhanging eaves, shading large spotted gum decking areas. Spanning ten metreswith a four-metre cantilever over decks for shade, the glue laminated roof rafter members were selected for both impressive structural properties as well as beautiful aesthetics. The cantilevered verandas and internal exposed cathedral ceilings became the striking feature of the design.
Due to the underside of the ceiling and roof being exposed, glue laminated timber was the only logical choice to achieve the extra large spans and cantilevers, and work aesthetically with the salvaged columns.
Exterior
For the exterior, timber was selected as the most appropriate and primary building material for its ability to sit in harmony with the surrounding natural environment. Being a natural and raw material, it has a low carbon footprint and embodied energy, and is able to be easily worked and cut on site.
Spotted gum decking was used throughout the buildings. Doors, windows and louvers are all constructed from timber. Spotted gum is used as external wall cladding to the guest bungalow buildings. Matt-black, burnt and charred ash timber is used as external and internal cladding on the main pavilion as a durable and poetic design response to the site.
The design team were eager to minimise on site waste, using standard sheet sizing where possible to maximise material use.
All timber used was either locally produced, or sourced from within in Australia, and sustainably sourced with Responsible Wood certification.
Interior
The interior flooring is spotted gum, which was used for its varied light brown to red brown hues and grain structure. The flooring followed the material motif of the cladding, external decking, and internal exposed rafters. The natural timber floor provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for both the guest rooms and pavilion areas for visitors.
The flooring needed to be durable, long lasting and stable under extreme temperature and humidity. A pre-finished engineered timber board was installed to minimise trade time on site.
The main bar and shelving units are constructed from the same large sections and off-cuts of the reclaimed wharf timber.
Elsewhere dark green wall panelling and grey coloured linen curtains wrap the interior surfaces, offer an almost cave like retreat from the harsh outback surrounds. A massive feature rock wall is stacked inside mesh frames to create a beautiful partition in the communal area.
