Bassendean Hotel: Woods Bagot

A palimpsest of architectural features (read: poor additions) from every decade, the heritage project became a reverse papier mâché of the layers applied over the years. With little existing documentation, the history was unearthed onsite as the team at Woods Bagot dug deeper, allowing the building to share its many stories for the design team to celebrate. An opportunity for a reuse approach, the team salvaged existing materials and repurposed them elsewhere in the building. The existing steel beams and pressed tin ceilings were exposed and honoured, further acknowledged with plaques created by the client, showcasing local manufacturers that brought the Basso to life in 1930.

The pub now consists of six bars and two new courtyards – operated by new custodians Australian Venue Co. Woods Bagot has taken a whole-site approach to the redevelopment, activating the previously inward-facing hotel and opening the courtyard in a welcoming gesture towards Old Perth Road. The palette of the Basso is robust, the hope being that the hotel will remain a representation of its community for another ninety years to come. In the main Saloon Bar, we see the existing fireplace and pressed tin ceilings uncovered, alongside a bar that boasts excellent craftsmanship and speaks to the heritage of the space, something that is further supported by the sourcing of antique furniture such as the feature timber bar display, all the way from a patisserie in France. Tucked away to the left of the saloon is Daphne’s Snug, an intimate, double-height space, layered in botanical wallpaper that pays homage to the women who were not allowed in pubs until 1965. Leading up from Daphne’s Snug and along the staircase is the work of local artisans and theatre set designers, who were invited to paint and finish the walls in a layered and textured style; soft and dreamlike, it is juxtaposed against the industrial nature of the exposed brick and steel beams.