“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.”
Revitalising Pinjarra: Emerging as a Regional Icon
Exchange Hotel
The design celebrates the history of the heritage building, peeling back layers and finishes to reveal the past
The rejuvenation of the Exchange Hotel has invigorated Pinjarra and positioned the building as a regional icon. 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.
The site is located on the picturesque banks of the Bilya Maadjit (Murray River) on the traditional lands of the Binjareb People of the Noongar Nation. The connection with the river, the land and its context was pivotal in the strategy and the design outcome. 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 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 spaces. 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.
INTERIOR
Peeling back layers and finishes to reveal the past. Paying homage to its past, the interiors draws distinction between old and new whilst creating a seamless sequence of spaces both large and intimate.
EXTERIOR
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 to the Bilya Maadjit (Murray River).
