Green Beacon Brewing Company is located in the heart of Newstead, Brisbane in a 1940’s warehouse, typical to the area’s industrial past. By linking the space to the Green Beacon name a rich story was able to be weaved through materials, colour, textures and atmosphere. The 400sqm fit out was restricted by a limited budget with significant funds being invested into building services and compliance related issues. In response to the services heavy program, the design imperative was to see what could be gleaned from the limited funds. Strategic reuse of fundamental building elements was pivotal. The retention of the original roller door, providing both a functional working loading dock as well as an entry and enormous framed window to the street.  The original toilet loft was retained to manage costs but by cutting away the office walls below an entry nook was crafted that deceives patrons with the overall volume of the space and provides a more dramatic entry. The initial discussions challenged pre-conceived ideas about industrial materials, the emotive nature of the generous space and how best to display the machinations of the brewing process. The design was about creating a pure, economical, natural and robust feel that reflected the beer and attitude of the client.

The development of the design was a hands-on approach working closely with the Green Beacon Brewers to interpret their vision of a place to brew, drink and relax with friends. The reflective stainless steel brew house and vats were brought to the front as a glistening machine and rediscovered as both lure and decoration to the space. In

order to maximise the opportunities a more creative approach to designing for cost was undertaken, this involved trawling second hand stores for sinks, basins and light fittings. This pre-loved and nostalgic feeling gives the design its heart, something more ‘handmade’ to contrast with the reflective surfaces of the stainless steel Brew House. The focus of the whole project was the bar. Manufactured from recycled timber, it is the heart and soul of the space. It is the point in which staff can interact with their patrons and talk all things beer. This was critical to the planning of the fit out, providing the separation from the public but in a comfortable and engaging way.

The fit out for the Green Beacon Brewing Company reflects what is possible with a little creative ingenuity. The development of the Brew Hall was a hands-on approach to design working closely with Green Beacon to interpret their vision and trust our own instincts to deliver an exciting, vibrant and simple fit out. Essential to the project was achieving a unique look that captured what the clients were searching for in a place to brew, drink and catch up with friends. Conversations flowed around flexibility, fluctuations in patrons, materials, the nature of the space and how best to display the machinations of the brewing process.  The fit out whilst simple in appearance, like the beer being served was in fact a complex series of ingredients, carefully conceived and through the vision of the architects and the commitment of the clients, it has provided the perfect venue to enjoy the best beer Brisbane has to offer.