Eden Oak

Client | BEKL

TYPE | EXECUTIVE ARCHITECTURE, Documentation

SECTOR | hospitality, hotel

STATUS | COMPLETE (2022)

Location | gEELONG, VIC

HEIGHT | 2 STOREYs

SCALE | GFA: 2,938 SQM (public area) 4,136 sqm (guest area), SITE: 16,000 sqm

PHOTOGRAPHY | TOM BLACHFORD

COLLABORATION | MITCHELL & EADES

Mid-century milieu: Revitalisation of one of Geelong’s hidden gems

Our Geelong studio joined forces with long-time collaborators BEKL for the revitalisation of Eden Oak.

Formerly a private conference facility designed by architect McGlashan Everist in the 1980s, the goal was to preserve the inherent mid-century qualities and retrofit the space for modern use.

Occupying a coveted Geelong site, Eden Oak offers scenic views of East Geelong Golf Course, the botanic gardens and Corio Bay. Nestled amongst native vegetation, the conference centre has a long history of providing cultural identity and connection for Geelong.

"These hidden gems should be accessible to the public. That's why we're so passionate about Geelong as there are so many great spaces that can be reused and adapted." - Dominic Versace, Geelong Studio Lead.

Plus was enlisted with the task of delicately retrofitting the existing structure, preserving its form and elevating its function.

We assisted in the transformation of the entrance / porte cochere, the western function area and central courtyard. While these spaces are physically separate, the infusion of mid-century design elements feels long-established and visually links each zone.

The roofing expression blurs the line between mid-century and modern, with its dramatic timber-clad cantilever as a fixture of Australian veranda design throughout the decades.

Once we acheived a look and feel that would marry old and new design elements, we also worked with the team to bring the structure up to modern code compliance, including installing accessibility systems and better thermal efficiency.

Eden Oak is a reflection of contemporary Geelong, respecting its mid-century modern beauty, that aims to tread lightly to maximise usability.