Exposed timber ceiling

Perched at roughly 1,798 metres above sea level, Carruthers Chalet – a new ski-in, ski-out accommodation within Kosciuszko National Park – sits high on Front Valley at Perisher Ski Resort, where construction faces some of the harshest weather and access conditions in the country. Inside, the building opens up into a warm, light-filled alpine interior: generous volumes, exposed timber features and expansive views across the snowfields facilitate a space designed for both energy and rest after a day on the mountain. Despite the altitude, logistics and a tight winter deadline, the project (one of only a handful of developments approved in the area) evolved from blockwork to a warm, light-filled, fully finished building in just 19 weeks. Delivering a Class 3 building here meant navigating rapidly shifting alpine conditions, limited access and a firm opening date tied to the start of the ski season. What made that timeline possible? Mass timber. Components were manufactured in Austria and delivered to site well ahead of the winter shutdown, allowing the structure to come together quickly once installation began. The project was completed in time for opening weekend – the same date a compulsory stop-work period began as snowfall and resort operations took over. Delivering a complex fire solution at altitude added another layer of technical challenge, but the result is an accessible alpine retreat that feels both robust and welcoming – a building designed to perform in one of Australia’s most demanding environments.