Historic tram depot reborn as restaurant and green venue
A former tram depot in Richmond, Melbourne, has been retransformed into a chic restaurant and function space by by Technē Architecture + Interior Design. Located on the ground floor of the Amora Hotel Riverwalk on Bridge Road, The Reserve restaurant draws on the area’s rich character in its revitalisation. The $5 million refurbishment by the multidisciplinary practice also includes the complete reconfiguration of the reception, lobby, lobby bar, courtyard and courtyard bar.
Sam Sempill, senior associate at Technē, says it was a top priority to retain the external shell of the building and reconcile heritage values with contemporary interventions. “Our challenge was to reinvigorate the interior of the ground floor using the existing bones of the building,” says Sempill.
“It was important to us to reflect the history of the hotel’s location as the former Cable Tramways Depot. By doing this, we were able to emphasise the prominence of trams in Melbourne’s identity and reference the industrial past of the area.”
To pay tribute to the old trams, the design team carefully preserved elements of the century-old depot and included detailing within the upholstery and joinery that referenced the vintage design of tram cars. “We included many smaller spaces in the central pavilion that can be booked in a number of different configurations. This speaks to the experience of travel and allows different hotel functions and events to take place at the same time,” Sempill adds.
Capitalising on the central courtyard overlooking the Yarra River, the architects ensured the boutique hotel was taken to the next level as a social destination and public space by adding a distinctive green roof on top of the pavilion. “We were conscious of being next to the Yarra River and the park,” says Sempill. “We liked the idea of providing a link to the surrounding greenery via a ‘living’ roof, which not only beautifies the building but improves its energy performance.”
Technē is known for other projects in the Richmond area including Veneziano Coffee Roasters, Bridge Hotel and Richmond Club Hotel. With a capacity of up to 300 people, the Amora Hotel’s redesign offers an example of adaptive reuse that respects the building’s historic integrity while revitalising it for today’s customers.
