Design & Planning

The proposed redevelopment for The Guildford Hotel is located at 159-161 (Lot 18) James Street, Guildford, WA, 6055. The fire that gutted the Guildford on September 1, 2008, was devastating. On that day, the local community, and Perth in general, lost a beloved heritage icon. Perhaps the key word for this design project is ‘respect’. The proposed development is the respectful adaptive reuse and modern reinterpretation of this infamous icon. We intend to return the Guildford Hotel to its former glory. Although the fire was a devastating event, it is an integral part of its story. Consequently, the damage that was wrought by the fire will remain on display, wherever practicable. Much of the existing plaster has come away from the walls, exposing the masonry face-bricks, which were hand made by convicts. We intend to keep these face bricks exposed, and to also carefully reveal some of the original external face-bricks – an echo of the days-of-old. The northern portion of the building will be opened up to form a double height internal courtyard, with an operable roof. The charred timber joists (that are still structurally sound) will be sealed and displayed, a symbol of the former first floor. The belvedere will be restored, and will float above the operable roof. It will reinstate the symbol of the hotel to the neighbours – but will now also be visible from inside the hotel. The existing fireplaces will be reactivated: their flames, a silent tribute to the legacy of the fire. Although we have opened up the northern portion of the building with a retractable roof, the main portion of the building will see a new metal sheet roof, which remains almost identical to the former roof structure. Our intention is to ‘touch this building lightly’. For example, we will keep the existing arches of any window or door that is filled in. They will be expressed by recessing the brick infilling – and thus, forever tell the story of the elements that have been removed. This ethos is reflected in all elements of the proposed redevelopment. Download Community Presentation.