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The History of the Boatshed
During the 1800s much of the timber from the surrounding indigenous forests was exported out of Knysna, which had a natural harbour formed by the lagoon which opened out on to the Indian Ocean and the main trade routes between the East and Europe. One consequence was the rise of a local boat building industry alongside the timber industry. In 1870 the Thesen family started a timber and shipping business in Knysna, and subsequently the Wharf company, which built the first formal harbour at the site of present-day Thesen Harbour Town. After the Thesens' moved their timber processing plant to the island, along with the boat building yard, in 1922, timber was processed there and loaded directly into freighters and ships for export. Right through the 20th century boat building continued on the island - in what is today the re-adapted Boatshed. It is this maritime heritage that the architects have striven to preserve in both the re-adaptation of the old buildings, and in the general design and planning of Harbour Town and the Thesen Island Marina. The Boatshed has been adapted to house several functions. Noteworthy here is the fact that its entire existing timber framework has been retained and all the timber cladding has been re-used. The old Boatshed was turned into an expo centre at first. Examples of windows, doors, paint colours, wall finishes, internal and external fittings and finishes were illustrated. The south façade of the boatshed demonstrated colours, porches, ballistrades and overall style of the island architecture. Hence the look and style of that facade. The exceptional refurbishment of The Boatshed adds interest and character to Thesen Harbour Town. The original structure which was basically fully retained lends a unique maritime feel to the building. Currently the inside of The Boatshed houses retail shops on ground floor and The Lofts Boutique Hotel with amazing rooms on the first and second floors. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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