Studio Nine Architects has unveiled a striking circular visitor centre at Coopers Brewery in Adelaide. Designed to move beyond traditional brewery aesthetics, the concrete structure houses a restaurant, bar, tasting room, interactive museum, microbrewery, whisky distillery, and a subterranean barrel storage facility. The interiors, crafted by Studio Gram, blend industrial elements with warm, tactile finishes.
A Contemporary Take on Brewing Spaces
Coopers Brewery envisioned a space that reimagines what a brewing destination can be. Instead of following conventional pub or brewery designs, the architects created a multi-functional venue centered around a public plaza. The circular design echoes Coopers’ signature roundel logo, with a continuous curved concrete façade defining the exterior.
Inside, the microbrewery wraps around the outer edge, with full-height glazing offering glimpses into the brewing process. This transparency enhances the visitor experience while flooding the dining space with natural light.
Innovative Design Meets Whisky Tradition
One of the project’s biggest challenges was integrating Coopers’ long-standing ale brewing tradition with its new single-malt whisky venture. Brewing and distilling require linear processes, which had to be carefully arranged within the circular layout.
While the whisky distillation takes place above ground, an underground stillage stores 5,000 barrels, helping to regulate temperature fluctuations. By placing the whisky storage below, the design maximizes public space above while maintaining optimal conditions for aging spirits.
Industrial Meets Craft in Interior Design
Studio Gram crafted interiors that balance industrial efficiency with a refined visitor experience. The design incorporates raw materials such as concrete, stainless steel, and exposed structural elements, reflecting the technical nature of brewing. These elements are softened by Australian hardwoods, leather seating, and custom-crafted joinery.
Porthole windows, inspired by Coopers’ roundel logo, create a recurring motif throughout the space. Thoughtful lighting design enhances textures and establishes intimate areas within the expansive venue. Perforated timber ceilings improve acoustics, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere even at peak capacity.
This new visitor centre not only expands Coopers Brewery’s offerings but also sets a new standard for contemporary brewing destinations.