Focus on Design Design at Southern Ocean Lodge Max Pritchard - Architect Kangaroo Island-born architect Max Pritchard was the design mastermind behind the original Southern Ocean Lodge, and in collaboration with his business partner Andrew Gunner from Max Pritchard Gunner (MPG) Architects, returned to lead the design of the next iteration of the property in partnership with founders, James and Hayley Baillie. In 2002 when James and Hayley first travelled to Kangaroo IsIand to look for a location for a luxury lodge, James, who has an avid interest in architectural design, had already tracked down Adelaide-based architect Max Pritchard after reading about his work in a design magazine. James and Hayley liked the environmentally considerate nature of his work which aligned with their vision to create a high-end accommodation experience while preserving the key natural assets of the area. As Max was born on Kangaroo Island, it was deemed a perfect fit. With Max’s design talent, James and Hayley set out to create an iconic nature-based lodge and luxury base from which guests could experience the destination. The aim was to make a positive, lasting contribution to the Kangaroo Island economy with a unique world-class development that would enhance the travelling market’s appreciation of the island’s biodiversity and provide a sustained benefit to the island and South Australia. In 2020, after wildfires had raged across KI and engulfed Southern Ocean Lodge in their path, James and Hayley once again contacted Max and his colleagues at MPG to partner with them on the rebuild project. This occasion came with a rare opportunity: to recreate the essence of the original lodge while adding new features and design tweaks made with the benefit of hindsight. Essential to the new design is an almost ‘future proof’ design that addresses the challenges of a changing climate, meets the requests of a new generation of traveller and operates within the natural environment in an even more considerate way. / mpgarchitects.com.au
Building Features Feature Limestone Wall The 125-metre limestone feature wall forms the backbone of Southern Ocean Lodge. The wall is handcrafted using local limestone by Kangaroo Island resident Scott Wilson, stone mason and also a sheep and marron farmer. The limestone was sourced from the lodge’s own backyard. The project took a little over a year to complete, as each piece of limestone was hand-carved and meticulously positioned in place to create its signature look and feel.
SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE / RESERVE@BECKONS.COM / +61 2 9918 4355 / SOUTHERNOCEANLODGE.COM.AU / BECKONS.COM
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