King Island is anchored in the middle of the treacherous waters of Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania’s North West coast. Nestled on a secluded 96 acres and overlooking the invariably rugged landscape and pristine coastline lies Kittawa Lodge – one of Australia’s best new luxury accommodation experiences. The remote and off-the-grid lodge aims to create a luxurious living experience that not only embraces its surroundings but can also withstand the harsh coastal environment.
The original brief for the project was to create a bespoke lodge, which would sit seamlessly into its environment, embracing its surroundings but able to withstand the severe weather conditions. The owners also wanted to uphold a strong commitment to sustainability, without compromising on the comfort and experience for guests.
The modular design by award-winning practice Stephen Sainsbury Architect purposefully maximises the connection to the outdoors, while minimising exposure to the elements. The Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows strategically placed in each separate living space helped to achieve these goals. Opening at different angles, they facilitate natural airflow for passive cooling but also achieve a tight seal when closed to keep out unwanted wind, rain, and cold temperatures.
Assisting in the practical implementation of the pre-fabricated modular build, the complete, glazed window units constructed from quality, durable materials also delivered the benefits of a quick and cost-effective installation, using less energy on-site, reducing emissions, and generating little to no construction waste.