Akuna 3 Thredbo - Ski Lodge Renovation

Transforming Akuna 3 Thredbo: A Stunning Ski Village Renovation

I am excited to introduce you to the final project of Akuna 3 Thredbo. Renovating a vacation home in a popular village and ski resort within a national park is no small feat. This full-scale renovation was taken down to the studs, with minor adjustments to some walls and doors. It involved meticulous planning, coordination, and execution. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the client for trusting me with their vision and allowing me to bring their dream holiday home to life. Additionally, a big thank you to SouthPac Builders for their exceptional work and dedication throughout this project.

Before any demolition could begin, the project required detailed planning and approvals. Comprehensive plans were sent to the council for Development Approval (DA), ensuring every aspect of the renovation met local regulations and standards. Once approved, the project moved forward under the guidance of a certifier, with each trade submitting their scope of work according to the certifier's checklist for the Construction Certificate (CC). This structured approach was required by council in maintaining compliance, and it also ensured a smooth progression from one stage to the next. Once the CC was approved, the project moved forward under the management of the builder.

The renovation encompassed nearly every aspect of the home. I worked closely with the client to bring her vision of their holiday home to life. Along with plans submitted for DA and CC, joinery plans were drafted to communicate the design to the joiner. We created a concept for the project, then I developed the color palette, material specs, tile layouts, and lighting plan. New bathrooms were installed, along with a modern kitchen, a functional laundry, and custom bedroom joinery that maximises storage and style. The mezzanine was realigned to maximise the space, and a new fireplace was added to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. All flooring was completely replaced, and the entire home received a fresh coat of paint. To top it all off, all new lighting was installed, which not only brightened the space but also highlighted the home's new features.

As smoothly as the project ran, a notable challenge was encountered during construction: many walls were significantly out of plumb. This required extensive work to square them off, which further reduced some of the already tight dimensions. This challenge necessitated creative design solutions, ie. including innovative shelving in the ensuite.

This transformation was a team effort, involving a host of skilled suppliers and contractors who brought their expertise to every element of the project. Their contributions were especially evident in the extensive joinery, the meticulous tile work in the bathrooms, and the builder's extraordinary craftsmanship.

Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll share the before and after photos that capture the remarkable transformation of this vacation home.
(For a look back, you can go to the In The Sudio page to see the documentation process!)

Client: Akuna 3 Thredbo
Builder: SouthPac Builders
Joinery: Snowy Cabinets
Joinery Hardware: Momo Handles
Tiling: Meraki Tiling
Electrical: Main Range Electrical
Fireplace: Escea
Fireplace Stone: Dry stacked stone from Amber Tiles
Bathroom Supply: Reece
Shower Glass: Jindabyne Glass
Tile Supply: South East Tile and Bathroom Centre
Lighting: LightCo (kitchen and bathroom lights) and Beacon Lighting
Hardwood Flooring: Woodos
Carpet: Godfrey Hirst
Paint: Dulux

Photography © Donna Vercoe