“The design has carefully planned the spaces to connect with a series of external courtyards and gardens enriching the connection to place and blurring the boundaries between inside and out.”
16 April 2023
Pinjarra’s Iconic Exchange Hotel Featured in Perth Now Article
Hunt Architect’s gladly announces it’s latest hospitality project – Exchange Hotel. Recently published in Perth Now, the long awaited revitalization is due to open its doors in 2024. The historic property, originally the home of the Bedingfeld family constructed in 1866, was converted to a pub in 1871 and named the Exchange Hotel, on account of a land and property exchange between Dr. Bedingfeld and Mr. James Greenacre. The Exchange Hotel was rumoured to be the oldest continuously operating pub in Western Australia when it closed its doors in 2008. Located on the picturesque banks of the Bilya Maadjit (Murray River) it sits on the traditional lands of the Binjareb people of the Noongar Nation. We acknowledge their continuing connection to this place and pay our respects to the elders, past and present and their ongoing contribution to the culture and life of this region.
The Shire of Murray developed a distinctive vision to redevelop this storied site into a vibrant destination and contemporary hospitality venue. This ambitious endeavour will embrace the local community and attract visitors, aiming to boost the region’s appeal and economic growth. Hunt Architects were awarded the project through a competitive commissioning process based on our experience with heritage buildings and our alignment with the Shire’s vision to reactivate the site – intending on creating a “regional icon” aligning with the council’s vision.
The Shire of Murray Council has demonstrated its commitment to the project by investing in the revival of this beloved site as a bustling hub of activity for the community and visitors alike, the council aims to restore the Exchange Hotel’s historical significance while fuelling economic growth in the local community.
This exciting new hospitality venue is due to open its doors in 2024.
Read the full Perth Now article here.
Architecture
Our design proposal aims to recognize and celebrate the heritage fabric of the remaining structures whilst inserting a series of new volumes to create a composition which is balanced and suited to the needs of a contemporary hospitality venue. The design of the new structures are lightweight and transparent to contrast with the mass and solidity of the existing brick heritage structures, creating a composition of solids and voids interwoven with bars, dining spaces, function rooms and a new kitchen. The venue will have a capacity of 600 people spread across the internal and external environments. The external spaces will be tuned to their specific context, each having a distinctive character, from the urban cloistered courtyard of the George Street arrival to the cascading landscape terraced gardens leading down to the Bilya Maadjit (Murray River), the foreshore and the amphitheatre.
Interiors
The interior design celebrates the context and history of the heritage buildings, peeling back layers and finishes to reveal the past. Paying homage to its former uses, construction techniques and creating a contemporary space that draws a clear distinction between old and new whilst creating a seamless sequence of spaces both large and intimate. Characterized by a palette that is both raw and tonal, an interpretive approach to the building’s original materials and textures. The interiors will exude a sense of richness and depth, combining layers of textures and materials to create a visually compelling and tactile experience for guests.
