The Republic of Fremantle Readapting a 20th Century Warehouse

The Republic of Fremantle gin distillery celebrates the historical ties with the Fremantle port with the naval history of British settlement in the 19th century and the gin used as staple on Royal Naval ships. The cultural homage also links to the site and the adjacent docks of Fremantle Harbour, readapting a 20th century warehouse, culturally and contextually connecting the place and people of Fremantle.

The street is activated by using repurposed excess cable trays as seating areas, linked to the main entry and the informal bar, providing guests a relaxed environment. The next area offers a more experiential atmosphere whilst dining in a working distillery, linking visually the copper still which sits proudly in the distilling production space in the middle of the hospitality venue.

The contemporary design expression with furniture and shelf craftsmanship is embedded within the craft of distilling, echoing the gin school located on the mezzanine level. The material palette dives into the use of botanicals in gin-making which also informs the verdant approach throughout the design of the mezzanine balustrade as a planted trellis. Daylight and natural ventilation are achieved thought large skylights that help the growth of plants within.

Located in the original warehouse district of Fremantle, the unique site forms the backdrop for a theatrical style hospitality space. During the day, the space is flooded with natural daylight via carefully placed skylight panels creating a distinctive high contrast warehouse environment. 

During the night the space is transformed into a series of experiences; the glowing wall of Gin bottles, the slithers of light escaping from the kitchen carefully selected to lead the eye to specific points of interest, the use of narrow beam spotlights over tables help to create an intimate setting in a voluminous space. 

Details are expertly lit with the eye drawn to the glowing copper still as the backdrop for the room. The mezzanine level was skilfully executed, notably the bespoke luminaires bringing a sense of depth to a relatively low clearance and engaging  the space with a relaxed warmth. There is a wonderful cohesion to the space, that engages with the patron and welcomes them to stay a while.