Studio Y Transform an Old Cigarette Factory into a Melbourne Beer hall.

Studio Y, in collaboration with PlaceFormSpace, has revitalised an old cigarette factory boiler room, working with resourcefulness and sustainability to transform the industrial area into a spirited beer hall and unique event space for Stomping Ground.

The location of the development is uniquely situated amidst Melbourne’s outer suburban industrial and residential area. While incorporating the existing building into the architectural design, careful consideration was paid to zoning to ensure sections felt intimate while also retaining the open-plan beer hall experience. Minimal finishes create a contemporary industrial feel while the found items take inspiration from the original factory building.

Related: Plantea’s Transformation of an Abandoned Adult Cinema in Madrid into Sala Equis.

A mesmerising full height timber grid structure is the main architectural feature — it was designed to be modular and exposed, visually linking the outdoor and indoor spaces. Internally it serves a practical purpose, carrying and services such as lighting, AV, brewery mechanical equipment and beer pythons, with planters as a secondary functional use. Externally the grid is used to support retractable roofs, translucent roofs, and walls. Intertwined with the landscaping, it allows the space to develop character and evolve over time. 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.

The separate function area was designed to be elegant and timeless whilst remaining flexible. The high ceilings, vertical pendants, feature arches, custom distressed paint and private bridal suite all enhance the unique space whilst paying homage to the original building. The beer hall staircase leads up onto a bridge above the brewery area. It links to the amenities area and offices and offers an elevated perspective of the beer hall as well as insight into the brewery area from atop. The u-shaped bar separates the beer hall from the beer garden and is one of the key and central elements of the space.

Related: Deeds Brewing Taproom by Splinter Society.

Every light fitting across the project has its own story. The lighting concept was designed to replicate the idea of a sunset beer session. All light fittings were tailored to have layers of optimised filters that replicate the natural colours of a sunset. In a commitment to sustainability and integration, the lighting designers made a number of the fixtures themselves including the refurbishment of original factory light fittings. The project is the latest of many long-term collaborations between, Studio Y, PlaceFormSpace and Stomping Ground.

Industrial finishes and material selection, recycled elements from the site and the addition of the timber grid with its natural feel create a contemporary and triumphant hospitality venue in keeping with the Stomping Ground Brewery brand.

[Images courtesy of Studio Y. Photography by Derek Swalwell.]