Sugarloaf at Flockhill

Sugarloaf at Flockhill 

Hierarchy Group

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

ARCHITECTS
Hierarchy Group

LEAD TEAM
Ashton Wright, Wen Ting

ENGINEERING & CONSULTING > STRUCTURAL
Ruamoko Solutions

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Inovo Projects

DESIGN TEAM
Jane Wright, Sonia Prince

GENERAL CONSTRUCTING
Hoogervorst Builders

ENGINEERING & CONSULTING > MECHANICAL
Babbage Consultants

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Rmm Landscape Architects

AREA
560 M²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Lake Pearson, New Zealand

CATEGORY
Restaurants & Bars

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

Text description provided by architect.

Situated on a historic and remote working sheep station in the Craigieburn Valley, Flockhill's restaurant, Sugarloaf, invites guests to immerse themselves in the stunning landscape of the Southern Alps.

Designed to reflect the client's vision for world-class dining while embracing New Zealand's farming heritage, the architecture balances a 'homely' atmosphere on a commercial scale with a sense of grandeur.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

Sugarloaf strikes a delicate balance between the built form and its natural context. Despite its scale, Sugarloaf is deliberately restrained to neither competing with the landscape nor overwhelming it.

It is carefully positioned to frame the landscape, exposing dramatic vistas upon entry and establishing a connection to the land as you journey through the space.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

A grand porte cochère draws guests in, subtly directing them towards the impressive, oversized copper doors that offer the first touch point, hinting at the level of detailing and sophistication that lies within.

Every element, from the overarching building fabric to the smallest details, reflects deliberate consideration.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

The intricate relationship between the built form, its materials, finishes, and detailing creates a rich, layered tapestry of elegance and refinement, inviting exploration and discovery at every level.

Verticality serves as a guiding principle throughout the design, reflected in the timber and concrete detailing and emphasising the grandeur of the interior.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

Rhythm and symmetry strengthen this concept, evident in paired elements throughout the space - negative joinery detailing, double flues, sandwiched rafter details, and half-moon door handles for the amenities - designed as complementary halves.

The building features textured, raw, and honest materials to create an experience that is as sensory as it is inviting.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

Through careful selection of materials, Sugarloaf is at once masculine and moody, yet calm and embracing. Pared-back timber, concrete, and blackened steel are used both internally and externally.

The ebony-stained Western Red Cedar cladding was chosen for its natural resistance properties - its subtlety taking a backseat to the incredible landscape within which the restaurant resides.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

Oversized copper doors lead into a vast 7m high cathedral-style space that is shrouded in timber, lending a warmth and quiet calmness to the space.

A monumental concrete fireplace punctuates the space, suspended from the ceiling by engineered steel frames hidden within the double flues.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

Solid stone was chosen for its natural and resilient finish, with bluestone tiling underfoot and stone slabs moulded into countertops - the intricate veining echoing the braided rivers of the rugged New Zealand landscape.

The masculinity of the building is further balanced by organic curves, introduced through soft furnishings and hardware selections.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

Subtle references to the surrounding mountains are made through triangular shapes in the Tonka kitchen bench, copper heat lamps, and delicate folds of the Bocci pendants.

Sugarloaf was a commercial style build, benefitting from the versatility and efficiency of a concrete and steel substructure, clad in a fine grain of durable finishes throughout.

Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge

An array of durable materials throughout is purposely selected to patina with time, with ease of maintenance a focus for management staff.


Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge
Sugarloaf at Flockhill
© Dennis Radermacher - Lightforge


Sugarloaf at Flockhill
Floor Plan