COP Outcome development and evaluation

Department of Conservation technical support officer Tom Hopkins was instrumental in making the case for the new hut to replace the existing one, built 40 years previously. "It has taken a huge effort and we were fortunate to have the skills of Mr Chinn who understands first hand the harsh elements, and what was needed to provide a safe, secure, low maintenance and cost-effective shelter," he said.

While small in size and construction costs, $835,000, Plateau Hut is one of the most challenging and risky building construction projects undertaken in New Zealand in recent times.

Plateau Hut builds on Mr Chinn's earlier hut designs for Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring, and has cemented his international reputation as an alpine hut expert. There is nothing like Plateau Hut anywhere else in the world. North American huts are comparatively low-tech and not subject to the fierce maritime and alpine conditions of the Southern Alps; and most European alpine huts are old structures constructed from stacked stone on accessible sites. They too have few high-tech or innovative features. Already the Canadian Alpine Club, among other overseas bodies, has approached Mr Chinn for advice.