Gerard Commercial Design Award Winner: Lodge Bordeaux

Inspired by the homes around the French wine region of Bordeaux, the winner of the 2006 Gerard Roofs’ Design Commercial Award blends modern design with the romantic look of the French provinces. When owners Alison and Peter Fitzgerald returned from touring France they knew the precise look and feel they wanted to create for their third motel.

Opening just 18 months ago, Lodge Bordeaux has a timeless French theme from the roof down to the luscious grape vines, extensive rock walls and the welcoming cellar in the reception. Lodge Bordeaux even has its own wine label! As a boutique lodge in New Zealand’s coastal region of Whangarei, Lodge Bordeaux offers NZ Qualmark 5-Star luxury accommodation to the discerning traveller and executive corporate market. With the experience gained by designing their two previous motels Alison and Peter worked closely with their friend and designer John Davies to develop a concept for a main house and two complementary accommodation buildings.

This concept was taken to completion by architectural designer Darrell Bell of Design Network (Waikato).

“We wanted to create an authentic French look – a style which wouldn’t date and would improve with age. So a major feature of the design was the roof,’’ says Alison, who, with her husband, selected all the products for the building. The couple chose Gerard Corona Shake Satin which has a clean, flat profile and a rugged yet stylish roofline to suit both the rural and town settings. “My husband and I saw exactly the style we were after in the Gerard Looking Up Guide,” says Alison, commenting on how they discovered the Corona Shake profile.“At a pitch of 40 degrees, with many aspects which would be highly visible from the road, it was paramount that the roof looked good and complemented the building. The roof is a feature in its own right and marries perfectly with the rest of the Lodge,” Alison says. The slate tile appearance, typical of a French provincial home, was achieved without having to use traditional solid tiles and their inherent weight. Gerard Roofs’ inter-locking ZincalumeTM steel-based tiles also ensure total weather proofing and a long life against all the elements of New Zealand’s coastal environments. Grant Williams, Business Development Manager for Gerard Roofs says the lodge is an excellent example of how a harmonious whole can be achieved when good design and craftsmanship is married to superior products.