Located in the former Oriental Hotel premises on the corner of Osmond Terrace and Magill Road, Republic is the newest addition to the booming bar scene in Norwood.

KP Architects were asked to refurbish the existing hotel placing an important emphasis on creating a contemporary, shared drinking and
dining experience.

The original arrangements of spaces were cluttered and did not create an engaging drinking or dining atmosphere. The plan of the hotel offered numerous disconnects between the idea of a shared experience whilst inhibiting the ease of transition between indoor and out.

The ‘concept’ for the Republic Hotel refurbishment was to create a modern beer drinking hall atmosphere, stripping back the establishment’s existing interior linings and establishing a design which provides enjoyable opportunities for internal and external entertaining.

A simple but iconic palette of finishes was developed for the Republic interior, reflective of the staple elements found in any traditional beer hall; solid timber, wrought iron and bottle green.

Solid dressed timber, traditional red brick and brown cobble stones were selected to complement both the existing building structure and new interior design, offering strength, warmth and a link between old and new.

The heritage greens are used in the pressed metal ceiling, glass feature screens and lounge upholstery to further complement this palette, but also to pay homage to the iconic green of beer bottles.

Lighter greens, yellow and turquoise were however selected in the outdoor beer garden and secret room to provide a dynamic contrast to the rich traditional palette. Black and white were further used as bold graphical statements in the carpet, glazed ceramic tile bar front, wallpaper and upholstery throughout, to give a contemporary edge to the design and rise above the stereotype of the traditional beer hall.

Finally, leaf motifs found in many of the finishes selected, reference the juxtaposition between the traditional patterns and colours of the palette and the underlying concept of a luscious green urban garden.

KP Architects purposely created a visual transition between the intimate palette of the lounge into the open beer garden. The
decision was based off the intended activities of patrons within each space. An example of this is the relationship of the main bar transforming in design and finish across the interior/ exterior threshold.

KP Architects are particularly proud of how their design has
respected the existing heritage building, adding layers of contemporary refinement which marry with the original building fabric.

They are also proud of the ceiling mural installation designed in house. The subtle feature was strategically designed to complement the simplistic dining palette, abstracting the sky view from the adjacent beer garden.