‘A Seat at the Mountain’ is the rather apt name for this project in Thredbo by recently launched Sydney-based practice. The brief called for a refurbishment of the interiors for the communal areas of Neewalla, a venerable ski lodge located on Ngarigo Country. With a focus on community, simplicity and crafted longevity – the principles of the ski club itself – Complete Thought Studio’s intervention centres on a new kitchen, window seat, bar and library.
Clearly, views are an important part of being in Kosciuszko National Park. Seating has been added to round out the living space and cater to this appetite for mountain views, while an additional sideboard element conceals a small fridge and bar storage, with display shelving above elevating the club’s library.
Functionality aside, it’s perhaps in the materiality that this project makes its most significant mark. Timber joinery is a welcome addition that transforms the space with new warmth, suddenly allowing for a different atmosphere to predominate – one of retreat, reflection, reconnection, cosiness and peace. Spotted gum v-grooved timber reaches to half height of the wall in reference to the club’s original kitchen, while, more generally, the palette references the surrounding environment and history of the lodge.
The kitchen area is where some of the most notable work has taken place, with the aim of rationalising and widening the space to allow for a central dual island bench. Stainless steel benchtops feature alongside granite inlays, all of which are set against a backdrop of brushbox timber veneer. Alpine blue then adds to the warmer tones found throughout, while the bench seat’s grey upholstery is designed with natural stone in mind. DLC Joinery Jindabyne completed the joinery, while the project also features fittings such as ‘Pietra Del Cardosa’ Porcelain tile flooring by Bisanna Tiles, Studio Italia ‘Tommy Mini’ lighting, Fisher & Paykel appliances and furniture from HAY.
Work is expected to continue more broadly at Neewalla as a masterplan for the club is ongoing. As such, this intervention by Complete Thought Studio not only improves the current condition of the communal facilities but also stands in readiness to join further changes in the future. The overall ethos of the design is rooted in a desire to do more with less, focusing on small interventions that further define and complement the existing functions of the space.
