Design intent
The hotel concept of experiencing a ‘unique stay’ informed the buildings simplicity in form and materials to emphasise its place in the surrounding natural environment. Its place is further emphasised by limiting the palette of native planting and minimising disruption, as much as possible, the immediate existing landform.
In contrast, the interior is more elaborate and complex with highly visible materials and fittings to highlight the buildings status as a hotel. The upper unit ceilings are dominated by a large, splayed skylight allowing views of the night sky and creating a somewhat sculptured ceiling.
The large windows allow panoramic views of the surrounding lake, mountains and hills and especially focus on the ever changing light and shadow patterns on the hills and directly capture the, almost daily, impressive sunrises and sunsets.
Designer: Chris Bruin
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
In the heart of the South Island the sky is so clear and vast that millions of stars seem to appear right before your eyes.
Unique to Tekapo, the clear skies found in this part of the world are like nothing else in New Zealand. Very limited light pollution means the views of the night sky seem to stretch on as far as the eye can see.
In 2012, the 4300 square kilometre area was declared the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, with light pollution strictly controlled in the area. It is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of only eight in the world.
Keen stargazers will see amazing constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, including the Southern Cross, to the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way.