From the earliest design concepts timber was a vitally important element in the creation of the Point Lookout Retreats. Only timber could manage the delicate balance between modular, cost-effective, durable, low-tech (locally sourced) carpenter-built construction while exhibiting rich, contextually appropriate quality and refined detailing capabilities.
Client, contractor and architect worked closely with the timber & hardware supplier who were also passionate advocates for locally sourced and milled timber (Tradeware Building Supplies, Capalaba). Queensland spotted gum was a clear choice for cost, quality presentation and durability in the tough coastal environment and was therefore used extensively.
The main structure was a polished concrete slab on ground, supporting a plywood-braced pine frame and spotted gum roof structure. Wrapping planes of stained hardwood weatherboards articulate a crust reminiscent of the bushfire-burnt bark of nearby banksias. Timber batten screens cast striking shadows providing arbours of dappled shade, articulating points of access & egress. The core of each stair was clad in grey textured plywood sheeting providing an economical, durable barrier, that when edge-lit, resembles delicate patterns of silver sand at low-tide.
Bedrooms and internal living areas are sized for the clear finished hoop pine plywood panels they're clad with. Their sheet junctions expressed with a 10mm black shadow joint. At night a warm inviting glow of up-lit plywood can be seen from the street through high fixed glass; a welcome site returning from a winter night's fishing.
The plywood kitchen, bathroom open shelf units and light pelmets were factory pre-fabricated, transported by ferry to site and installed. Timber-framed window hoods and plywood balustrade sandwich panels were also pre-fabricated.
The Retreats are simple spaces arranged around timber decks, deferential and integrated with the natural environment. They demonstrate traditional materials with contemporary detailing, finished with refinement, quality and respect.
