Munich has come to Melbourne with Techne Architecture + Interior Design bringing new life to the traditional Bavarian bierhaus. The project, from the Urban Purveyor Group, is Munich Brauhaus – where Oktoberfest happens 365 days of the year.
After a string of successful beer-halls in Sydney, Urban Purveyor Group’s brief for Techne Architecture + Interior Design was to turn the existing heritage goods shed in South Wharf into the home of Melbourne’s first-ever bustling bierhaus.
“The area is extensively used by joggers, tourists and cyclists as well as those coming for the neighbouring South Wharf DFO and those who work in the nearby Docklands.” says Giles Freeman from Techne.
The challenge was to turn the waterfront venue into an accommodating location that would pay homage to the traditional Brauhaus but add a clean modern twist, while at the same time, catering to 900 patrons.
“The project turnaround timetable was very tight, for all involved & working within a heritage covenant added substantial complications. The scale of works and the level of detail required a very capable build team, which we luckily had,” explains Freeman.
The solution was to turn the shed itself into 3 distinct zones. The Jager Bar makes up the first zone of the bierhaus and creates a relaxed, comfortable environment. A towering log wall, patterned to resemble the forest floor and the horizontally placed fully-grown deer walking across it, create the focal point in the front bar and add a rustic, woodland feel.
Directly above is the Mezzanine floor with an open kitchen and dining area. Diners have a 180-degree view of the bars below, enabling them to take in the log wall feature from a sophisticated private bar setting. Custom joinery on the bar itself features a traditional Bavarian hunting scene.
The second zone houses the bustling dining hall, which follows the traditional model of long tables ready to accommodate festival groups and their hardy appetites and drinking habits. Custom furniture and bespoke lighting have been created to enhance the woodland atmosphere and ornamental, oversized timber antler chandeliers hang throughout.
The aptly named Wunder Bar lets diners observe the proceedings below from the Mezzanine floor. Large glass steins hang from the joists above the bar, shining brightly and sparking above patrons placing drink orders.
Set in the quietest corner of the Brauhaus is the Private Function Room, surrounded by decorative timber and tapestry paneling, sitting below the Mezzanine level.
The waterfront border of the Brauhaus has been designed to encourage casual interaction with passers by and detract from any obvious beer-hall references from the outside with its small, intimate seating arrangement.
“We thoroughly enjoyed designing a playful & festive space for a contemporary venue, which in itself seeks to be an interesting update to a revered tradition,” says Freeman.
Melbourne will no longer need to jetset to Europe for a taste of festival mayhem, now Oktoberfest will be in full swing every day of the week. Get ready to enjoy plenty of festival fun, Bavarian bier, oom pah pah bands and of course, the uber wieners.
For further information visit techne.com.au
