Discover the resurgence of cypress macrocarpa timber in New Zealand and its starring role in sustainable house design with the award-winning Okere Falls Lodge.
According to Murray Grant, Founder of MacDirect, many locals think cypress (macrocarpa/Lusitania) has only recently been used in New Zealand house construction. Yet, macrocarpa has been used in New Zealand since the early 1900s and was often used when renovating Kauri villas during the 1920s and well into the 1960s.
“I recall an instance, several years ago, where a Kauri home in central Auckland was getting renovated by an acquaintance of mine; the Kauri framing was found to be riddled with a borer infestation,” says Murray.
“Further inspection found sections of the framing were uninfected and clear of borer. They realised that the timber not affected was macrocarpa, which was used during a renovation project in the 1930s; it’s a great example of the borer resistance properties of cypress timbers.”
Established in 1993, MacDirect is a South Auckland sawmill and one of the largest wholesalers of plantation-grown macrocarpa cypress timbers in the country.
What are the benefits of cypress macrocarpa timber?
Durable: macrocarpa heartwood is naturally resistant to insects; termites and borer. It is a class three durable timber.
Style: its rich grain, warmer tones, and rustic appeal are desirable design additions for specifiers and homeowners
Healthier: macrocarpa is untreated timber, making it naturally non-toxic, VOC-free and renewable
Versatile: cypress/macrocarpa strength and aesthetics make it ideal for structural and decorative elements such as timber framing, cladding, furniture and ornate features.
Can you use cypress macrocarpa to build houses in New Zealand?
Murray notes that MacDirect’s cypress/macrocarpa is naturally durable and the equivalent to H3.1-treated radiata pine. “This is one of the reasons that MacDirect cypress is popular for weatherboards and external coverings,” says Murray.
“In a natural, untreated state, our timber still meets the NZ building code for framing, cladding and external applications [building code NZS 3602:2003].”
Experience the award-winning Okere Falls Project
Design brief:
Journey down the private driveway of this expansive 3.8-hectare site to experience natural timber crafted to house lasting memories. A desire for social connection and three years in the making, Okere Falls is an expansive 1184-square-metre lodge-style sanctuary, and thanks to its 10 bedrooms, 24 handmade bunk beds, 10 private bathrooms, and 450 square metres of timber decking, it can be enjoyed by over 40 occupants.
Designed to entertain both adults and children, guests can relish in the private cinema, wine cellar, barn with climbing walls, playground, and tennis court or simply explore the expansive lawns, lake and surrounding bushland. Built by Keam Construction, the project involved extensive renovations to merge the existing and new structures seamlessly.
Okere Falls’ considerate material selection features MacDirect’smacrocarpa for columns, beams, custom bunks, and various interior finishes, including the eye-catching tongue and groove ceiling. In contrast, the dark oak and copper accents throughout add warmth, interest and elegance to the overall design.
Award-winning result:
Okere Falls has garnered considerable recognition, including the National Top 100 Award and a Regional Gold Award in the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau region. These awards highlight the desire for and importance of environmentally responsible architecture in New Zealand.
MacDirect’s dedication to advocating for natural materials within the building industry and its practical approach ensures that every piece of timber meets the highest standard before it leaves the sawmill. It’s clear macrocarpa’s unique aesthetic, sustainability, and durability make it an ideal choice for quality, contemporary design and construction in New Zealand.
