SHADOWclad Case Study: Ski 'n' Skurf

Project:

Ski ‘n’ Skurf Cable Ski Kiosk, Bli Bli

Product:

SHADOWclad® Texture.

Architect(s):

Lindsay + Kerry Clare.

Awards

1997 Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Buildings.
1997 RAIA Commendation: Commercial Environment Citation.

The Ski ‘n’ Skurf Cable Ski Kiosk at Bli Bli is a vibrant construction, designed to cater for a tourist park for surfers on the Sunshine Coast. This casual ‘culture house’ expresses youth and excitement in a way that makes the most of the sun, the water and the breeze.

Lindsay and Kerry Clare, Queensland’s internationally renowned architects, used SHADOWclad Texture by Carter Holt Harvey to achieve the lightweight feel of this pavilion. “We do a lot of light weight building, “ says Kerry Clare, “SHADOWclad Texture suits lightweight framing, but also because of its incredible strength it can withstand cyclonic conditions. The building is in the nominated cyclone region. The result then is a nice light aesthetic that is very strong.”

SHADOWclad Texture “serves as internal and external skin,” Lindsay Clare explains. It acts as cladding and bracing in one, in a “single skin construction”.

“The texture is also very durable,” Kerry continues, “...the rough sawn face of the timber creates its own shadow to an extent”. The rough texture made the timber ideal, providing protection against the sun and left the structure unaffected by the salt air. Aesthetically, the robust finish combines with colour, space and an open lightness to give the place a festive mood its users will enjoy.

The building is placed on a narrow spit of land between two lakes and for speed and flexibility was designed as a simple portal frame shed. After the first kiosk burnt to the ground in 1994, the architects had only 16 weeks from design to completion before the Christmas tourist rush. A tight program but the energy and excitement is reflected in the end product.

It was a ‘fast track project,” says Lindsay, and SHADOWclad Texture was “quick...easy to work with.”

“SHADOWclad Texture also fits in with our philosophy of using environmentally sensitive products, because it’s cut from plantation timber,” adds Kerry.

The team have since moved south to become design directors with the NSW Government Architect and will be involved in public buildings and urban structures to be completed for the Olympics, including the Olympic School. The Clares have chosen SHADOWclad Texture for a variety of their current projects and recommend this versatile product for work in all areas - residential, commercial or institutional.