Sugarloaf
at Flockhill

Situated on a remote and historic sheep station in the Craigieburn Valley, Sugarloaf is a considered addition to Flockhill, designed to elevate the Station into a world-class destination that celebrates heritage, hospitality and tourism.

The brief was to create a restaurant that reflected the owners’ vision for an immersive and unique dining experience - deeply rooted in New Zealand’s farming heritage with a ‘homely’ atmosphere at a commercial scale and a sense of grandeur.

Sugarloaf strikes a delicate balance between the built form and its natural context. Despite its scale, it is deliberately restrained and carefully positioned to frame the landscape, exposing dramatic vistas upon entry and establishing a connection to the land as you journey through the space. A grand porte cochère draws guests in, directing them towards the impressive, oversized copper doors that offer the first touch point, hinting at the detailing and sophistication within.

More than just a structure, Sugarloaf is a celebration of Flock Hill Station’s cultural and natural heritage. A testament to balance - between built form and nature, elegance and restraint, immersion and comfort - Sugarloaf redefines luxury in the high country.

There is a sense of permanence and balance - the design neither competes with the landscape nor overwhelms it.

Textured, raw and honest materials are used throughout to create an experience that is as sensory as it is inviting.

Verticality serves as a guiding principle throughout the design, reflected in the timber and concrete detailing and emphasising the grandeur of the interior.

Rhythm and symmetry strengthen this concept, evident in paired elements such as negative joinery detailing, double flues, sandwiched rafter details - creating a rich, layered tapestry of elegance and refinement that invites exploration and discovery at every level.

"Three years in the making Flockhill has proudly opened the Sugarloaf restaurant and seven beautiful villas—buildings which have won awards and have enabled Flockhill to be acclaimed worldwide by the guests who have been here.

Hierarchy are architects of the special. They worked with the owners and the Flockhill team to reproduce their wishes & dreams, meeting budgets and timelines which seemed impossible. Ashton has also put his team to other chores. A “Spa and Wellness centre” is under construction, and we have a “Potting Shed” in the vegetable garden. Now the “Out-cabin” in the mountains is in the pipeline.

Ashton & Wen of Hierarchy are special people with vision and flair. They are creators of the unique. If we do this again, they will be the people for me."

- Chris Cochrane, General Manager, Flockhill

"What I loved about this project was the wide variety of bespoke designs and the intricate details that made the build so exciting. The highlight for me was visiting the completed restaurant and seeing it in full operation, with guests marvelling at the space. It was amazing to see the Architect’s dream come to life... I thoroughly enjoyed working with them. The team was incredibly approachable, and there was open communication throughout the build. They understood the challenges we faced, and we worked collaboratively to overcome them. I believe this teamwork is reflected in the amazing outcome of the build."

- Roland Hoogervorst, Main Contractor, Hoogervorst Builders

Opulent yet modest, tactile and honest, Sugarloaf honours the land as its custodian, allowing guests to embrace the essence of Flock Hill Station.