Kaurna
South Australia
The Coopers Brewery experience centre is a contemporary reimagining of what a brewing destination can be. Avoiding the clichés of a traditional pub or brewery, the interiors balance history, craftsmanship, and innovation with precision and purpose.
Guided by clarity, simplicity, and functionality, the design distills complexity into effortless experiences. Spaces transition seamlessly—from the energy of the 400-seat restaurant and bar to the intimacy of the tasting room and the quiet storytelling of the museum. The material palette blends warmth with industrial robustness, echoing the brewing process through texture and tone.
Every detail serves a purpose; every interaction feels intuitive. Heritage and innovation coexist harmoniously, creating a refined, immersive environment that feels deeply connected to its purpose. The result is a space that not only honours Coopers’ legacy but defines a new benchmark for contemporary brewing experiences.
The unique curved design was inspired by the iconic Coopers roundel label, encompassing a sloping amphitheatre orientated towards the malting plant and brewery grounds. With high-quality finishes throughout, the immersive facility provides a welcoming experience celebrating Coopers’ heritage. Four hundred guests can be accommodated in the restaurant and bars, dedicated tasting room and outdoor plaza. Connecting to the production facilities is a link-bridge hosting an interactive history display and tour route for visitors. Prominently displayed is a bespoke microbrewery and distillery, from which spirit matures in casks located in the underground stillage, viewable through a barrel-shaped porthole in the plaza.
Graham Charbonneau, Design Architect
Bill Anderson, Project Architect
Mott MacDonald, Project Manager
Mott MacDonald, Engineer
Oxigen Landscape Architects, Landscape Consultant
Arketype, Curatorship
Rider Levett Bucknall, Quantity Surveyor
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.
