ADNZ/RESENE 2010 NATIONAL DESIGN AWARDS

The Masonic Lodge, Erewhon 200, was purpose-built in the small mid-Canterbury township of Mt Somers in 1912. Masonic characteristics from the original King Solomon's Temple, dating from 960BC, were incorporated, such as the windowless Inner Sanctum. This has a width:breadth ratio of 1:0.65, and is strictly orientated east/west.

The new owner purchased the property in 2003 and wanted to convert the building to a private residence, restore the Inner Sanctum and maintain a historical record of Masonic memorabilia.

Planning around the existing configuration was limited to providing spaces for residential use. A simple exterior form was extended to reflect the alpine aspect, with a cedar shingle roof and stucco plastered walls matching the original. An existing mezzanine was linked to a new first floor under the reshaped roof pitch raised from 17 degrees to 41 degrees. A complex steel structure supports this new shape, incorporating two dormer windows focused on Mt Hutt ski field.

Now called the Mt Somers Lodge, the interior features extensive use of the original timber flooring, and new timber panelling. The original elevated end of the Inner Sanctum has been replaced with a bar and library to provide a function space, which retains the Masonic chequered rectangle on the floor.

Story by: Trendsideas