Tasmanian Timber in the Wilderness: Touchwood Veneer at Lake Pedder Lodge
Pedder Wilderness Lodge is located in Strathgordon, on the shore of Lake Pedder, within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Built originally in the 1960s to house Hydro workers during the construction of the Gordon Dam, it is now a retreat at the end of the scenic Gordon River Road. A recent renovation has transformed the lodge’s accommodation. At its heart is a product born from the same Tasmanian landscape that surrounds it: Touchwood Veneer Panels by Britton Timbers.
The renovation of Lake Pedder Lodge was delivered in collaboration with architects Francis Burne and Field Labs. The brief called for materials that could honour the natural character of the surrounding wilderness while delivering a refined, contemporary guest experience.
The result includes newly built Gordon Suites featuring Tasmanian Oak panelling and a 5-star energy rating. These suites represent the lodge’s most premium accommodation and Touchwood Veneer Panels were central to achieving the warmth, quality and character the design team was after.
Why Touchwood?
Touchwood Veneer Panels were selected for their ease of installation, aesthetic variability, and environmental sustainability, serving as a focal point of the internal wall and ceiling finishes throughout the accommodation units. The Tasmanian Oak on Natural finish was specified, proving a consistent design throughout.
Three qualities made Touchwood the standout choice for this project:
Custom Batching for visual consistency:
Touchwood Veneer Panels were custom batched at the production mill to ensure palette and feature consistency from a single batch of veneer. In a hospitality setting where guests move between identical rooms, this level of visual coherence is essential – this speaks to the manufacturing precision behind the product.
Seamless Installation:
Getting materials to Strathgordon is no small logistical task. The tongue-and-groove system reduced installation time, which was crucial for a project involving prefabricated units transported to the site. Britton Timbers’ Shawn Britton has spoken about the supply chain advantages that make this kind of remote project viable.
It can move from manufacturing in Tasmania to our warehouses to commercial or domestic applications within days, as opposed to weeks or months for imported products, seamlessly.
Fitting the Surroundings:
The panels complemented the rugged natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness while maintaining a modern, refined interior aesthetic. Designers used the panels not only as wall panelling but also to clad ceilings, cupboards and bed heads, creating a seamless interior throughout the suites.
Tasmanian timber within reach
Touchwood Veneer Panels are made from PEFC-certified Tasmanian Timber veneer pressed onto PEFC-certified moisture-resistant MDF board with a vertical groove to give the appearance of solid VJ panelling. The 9mm backing is available in natural or black, with Blackwood or Tasmanian Oak veneer face giving the illusion of solid timber, while being more cost-effective and efficient to install. It is a product that is easy to work with and largely similar to any solid timber piece.
The Touchwood Veneer Panels are highly adaptable across a wide range of interior styles. Installation can be fixed horizontally or vertically, and adaptable to both modern and traditional interiors – left uncoated or finished using wax, oil or polyurethane in matte, gloss or satin finish.
Sustainability
Made from PEFC-certified Tasmanian timber sourced from sustainably managed forests, Touchwood Veneer Panelling makes natural Tasmanian timbers simple to specify, saves installation timber, and limits material waste. Britton Timbers sources all its timber from the sustainably managed and PEFC-certified forests of the north-west region of the state.
The lodge’s guests come specifically to experience the Tasmanian wilderness – and the materials featured inside the suites trace back to the same carefully managed forests that define the landscape outside.
Touchwood Veneer Panels are manufactured by Britton Timbers and available in Tasmanian Oak and Blackwood. For project enquiries, find out more HERE.
