Ngunawal Country
ACT
The Civic Pub [Stage 02] transforms an original workshop into a vibrant bar and eatery, blending industrial charm with modern elegance. The once underutilised storage ‘shed’ now seamlessly connects to the main building via improved circulation and integrates natural light, all previously absent. A new mezzanine insertion enhances activity and experience, offering patrons a chance to (re)connect with the building’s original warehouse character, rare in Braddon’s evolving landscape. Despite the transformation, the design retains an intimate atmosphere, with glimpses of re-purposed brickwork, high timber screens and green walls inviting curiosity from the laneway.
The project preserves the original steel portal frame structure and uses a material palette that ties the space to Braddon’s industrial roots. Reclaimed timber, steel, glass, and brick highlight the shed’s raw beauty, balanced with soft finishes and ambient lighting. This once-neglected workshop is now a beloved destination, embracing its history while celebrating its revitalized future.
Largely concealed from the street, tucked behind the existing building, the Civic Pub Stage 2 is about revealing and concealing, and is a clever adaptive reuse of an existing and under-utilised steel framed mechanics building.
Minor modifications to the existing pub layout allow for an internal link entry into the new pub without disturbing the charm of the existing pub. The new link, with its dramatic lighting, creates a sense of anticipation upon moving through this space and revealing a thoughtful, warm and textural addition that sits within the portal framed structure of the existing mechanics building. A mezzanine space sits snuggly beneath the portal framed roof structure, with deliberate seating and furniture layouts navigating the challenging ceiling height. The use of timber, steel, patterned carpets and face brickworks creates a space that is inviting yet private, extending the language of the existing pub architecture in a unique and contextually responsive way.
The adaptive reuse of the existing building results in an economically sensible method of utilising previously lost space on the site and expands the pub’s ability to host a range of distinct functions and activities without compromising its role as the traditional pub in Braddon.
The transformation of our once-unused mechanics shed into a stunning new bar has been a game-changer for The Civic Pub.
PELLE Architects, led by Dom Pelle, have created a space that seamlessly blends industrial heritage with warm, inviting design. The new area enhances our operations by providing a vibrant, functional extension to our venue, improving guest experience and expanding our capacity.
The craftsmanship and thoughtful design have breathed new life into our establishment, making it a true destination. We are proud to showcase this exceptional project and grateful for PELLE Architects’ vision and expertise.
Dominic Pelle, Project Architect
Bowen Liu, Graduate of Architecture
Ian Hollen, Designer
Jessica Keir, Designer
Jerome Samuel, Graduate of Architecture
Ben Wood, Graduate of Architecture
Flynn Hopkins, Architectural Assistant
Construction Control, Head Contractor & Construction Manager
Resolution Planning, Town Planner
HPCE, Structural Engineer
3DS Group/Complete HVAC, Mechanical Consultant/Contractor
Ashco Energy, Electrical Consultant/Contractor
Pinnacle Design, Hydraulic Consultant
360 Degree Fire, Fire Consultant/Contractor
Vector Alliance, Fire Engineer
Philip Chun, Building Certifier/Accessibility Consultant
PJ Shaw & Associates Consulting Surveyors, Land Surveyor
LCI Consultants, ESD Consultant
Sellick Consultants, Civil Consultant
Agon Environmental, Environmental Consultant
Robson Environmental, Environmental Consultant
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
