Bindjareb & Wilman Noongar People of the Nyoongar Nation
Western Australia
The re-imagining of the historic Exchange Hotel in Pinjarra creates a balanced composition of heritage and contemporary architecture. Beyond a restoration, the project has been a catalyst for a renewed energy on George Street, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and increasing activation.
The redevelopment weaves a contemporary hospitality venue through a series of heritage and modern spaces, respectfully integrating the authentic architectural character of both heritage and modern structures. Engaging with George Street, the town square, and Murray River, the external courtyards, and multiple arrival points create a permeable, welcoming environment that activates the thresholds around the building, increasing capacity and public realm activation.
The Exchange Hotel redevelopment has revitalised its presence as a vibrant landmark, preserving its cultural significance. The hotel continues to serve the community as a cornerstone of its identity and revered gathering place.
Exchange Hotel establishes a high-quality reference for future development of Pinjarra’s emerging public precinct. A creative and playful reimaging of historic fabric is astutely bonded with new built-form – offering a highly valid and viable hospitality facility. New and old elements are carefully expressed in well considered detailing and in material selections. Composed of agile functionality and engaging outdoor connectivity – the hotel has been returned to a meeting place – resonating with its past and proposing future contexts.
Working alongside the Hunt Team to reinvigorate the historic Exchange Hotel was fantastic. Being a 130+ year-old venue, the project was an exciting opportunity to sculpt the next chapter in this much-loved building’s story. It’s age also gave the project some unique challenges, but the Hunt team were always willing to adapt with the building and find solutions that stayed true to vision. The result of our close collaboration is a hospitality venue that combines the best of modern architecture with Pinjarra’s local heritage, and offers a unique and exciting place for locals and visitors to meet, relax and celebrate.
Steven Smyth, Principal Architect
Sinan Pirie, Project Architect
Isabelle Joyce, Interior Designer
Sinh Hong, Senior Technician
Damien Sita, Specification and Quality Assurance
Forth Consulting, Electrical Consultant
Forth Consulting, Structural Engineer
Forth Consulting, Civil Consultant
Forth Consulting, Mechanical Engineer
Stantec, Hydraulic Consultant
Gabriels Hearne Farrell, Acoustic Consultant
Element Advisory, Heritage Consultant
Four Landscape Studio, Landscape Consultant
Bushfire Prone Planning, Bushfire Consultant
Creative Spaces, Interpretation and Wayfinding
Full Circle Design, ESD Consultant
Alto Cibum, Food & Beverage Consultant
Resolve Group, Building Surveyor
Donald Cant Watts Corke, Quantity Surveyor
Leon Kolagow, Programmer