techne architects renovate the prahran hotel with concrete pipes

‘prahran hotel’ by techne architects, victoria, australia
image © peter clarke photography
all images courtesy of techne architects

melbourne-based techne architects were commissioned to renovate the ‘prahran hotel’ in westgate, a corner pub fitted with a classic art deco facade and a one-story extension at the back of the site. as the client called for the demolition of the single-level addition to be replaced by a more dramatic two story atrium space, the architects sought out a new approach to fulfill the client’s needs. the idea to use precast concrete pipes made sense on many levels: they possess a certain sculptural quality that brings a sense of image to the pub, they can be instrumental in naturally subdividing spaces into more intimate areas, and from the exterior could be recalled as a stack of kegs or barrels. opposite the tubes, a full-height steel and glass atrium cuts through the space to visually combine the various programs.  the timber plank-clad tubes now serve as more private tables while the atrium floor offers a more open flexible floor plan for larger groups and events. structural material was left exposed juxtaposing the warmth of the wooden highlights and the vibrancy of the green plants hung throughout the spaces.

seating areas
image © peter clarke photography

each tube is wrapped with timber planks and leather seats
image © peter clarke photography

light floods the space from the double-height atrium
image © peter clarke photography

plants enliven the interior contrasting the greys of the structure
image © peter clarke photography

upper level
image © peter clarke photography

half pipes used as seating elements
image © peter clarke photography

interior of a pipe
image © peter clarke photography

atrium floor
image © peter clarke photography

bathroom
image © peter clarke photography

atrium
image © peter clarke photography

project info:

practice name: techne architects
photographer: peter clarke photography  
project name: prahran hotel
project completion date: may 2013
project type: hospitality (pub)
project address: 82 high street, windsor vic 3181
owner’s/client name: sand hill road                                                                                  
project team: justin northrop (project/design director), steve mckeag (project architect), alex lake (architect), melita kei (draftsperson), francois claassens (draftsperson), bianca baldi (interior designer)
design documentation (months): 12
construction (months): 8
project size: 550m²
builder: visual builders
structural engineer: parkhill freeman
project manager: n/a
lighting: light projects
esd: energylab
landscaping: ayus botanical
building surveyor: retro building surveyors
services engineer: brt consulting engineers
land surveyor: jca land consultants
geotechnical engineer: nsp geotechnics pty ltd
acoustic engineer: burton acoustic group