the stomping ground brewery moorabbin is a multifunctional venue for locals to gather

 

located in melbourne, australia, the stomping ground brewery moorabbin is a diverse, multi-purpose space

completed by design firms studio Y. and placeformspace. originally an abandoned cigarette factory, the renovated building presents itself today as a hospitality venue that holds a brewery, beerhall, beer garden, function room for events, and related amenities, for locals to enjoy. 

 

‘the location of the development is unique – situated amidst an outer suburban industrial and residential area, it was critical to create a welcoming, inclusive, and energetic gathering place. the existing conditions and relating structure of the current building,’ reveals the team behind the project. 

stomping ground brewery moorabbin
stomping ground brewery moorabbin | all images © derek swalwell

 

 

a timbered space with a nod to warehouse aesthetic

 

studio Y. and placeformspace featured strong design elements inspired by the brewing and distillery process to instill character into the venue and pay homage to the original factory. the most prominent architectural feature included in the design is the full height timber grid, a modular and exposed structure that visually links the outdoor and indoor spaces. the timber grid has a double function; it carries a few service functions internally (lighting, AV, planters etc.) while externally supporting roofing structures and walls. 

 

studio Y. also points out that ‘all connections are bolted, and the timber beams can be re-used at the end of the building’s lifespan or when a different use is required.’ you can view studio Y.’s works here, and placeformspace’s projects here. 

stomping ground brewery moorabbin
a timber grid structure acts as the main architectural feature of the space

 

 

the central kitchen on the ground floor divides the venue into the beer hall, located west, and the function room situated at the eastern part of the building. the beer garden, on the other hand, connects both spaces along the northern periphery while the beer hall staircase leads guests up onto a bridge above the brewery area. linking to the amenities room and offices, the bridge offers an elevated perspective of the beer hall and insight into the brewery from atop. another hero component of the space is the u-shaped bar that separates the beer hall from the garden. 

moreover, the existing blue floor paint in the beer hall was preserved as a clear nod to the warehouse aesthetic. complementing that blue tone is plant life that weaves throughout the venue to lift up the industrial character with softer and more natural tones. 

stomping ground brewery moorabbin
the warehouse aesthetic is clearly preserved across the venue

 

 

recreating the ‘sunset hour’ with unique light fittings

 

the duo collaborated with lighting designers from ambience who came up with a concept that replicates the idea of a sunset beer session. ‘every light fitting across the project has their own story. [they] were tailored to have layers of optimized filters that replicate the natural colors of a sunset.’  in a commitment to sustainability and integration, ambience took the extraordinary step of making a number of the light fixtures themselves – including the refurbishment of original factory light fixtures.

 

industrial finishes and material selection, recycled elements from the site, and the addition of the timber grid with its natural feel, come together to create a contemporary and triumphant hospitality venue that clearly reflects the stomping ground brewery brand.

replenishing an abandoned cigarette factory into a unique beer hall 4
the u-shaped bar is covered in reclaimed switchboards

replenishing an abandoned cigarette factory into a unique beer hall 2
the existing blue paint is gently lifted by the plant life that weaves throughout the space

replenishing an abandoned cigarette factory into a unique beer hall 10
industrial finishes and recycled elements from the site create a contemporary hospitality venue

replenishing an abandoned cigarette factory into a unique beer hall 5
the colors of the lighting fixtures echo the sunset hour

replenishing an abandoned cigarette factory into a unique beer hall 7
the beer garden communicates an energetic and warm atmosphere

 

 

 

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project info:

name: stomping ground brewery

interior design: studio Y.

building design: place form space

lighting design: ambience

photography: derek swalwell

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom