The Union Hotel has long been part of Colac’s social fabric, a place for gathering, eating, staying and celebrating, so the project focused on improving and updating the building without losing the atmosphere people associate with it.

Rather than treating the hotel as something to completely reinvent, the architects approached it as a building with history and meaning. The design balances restoration and renewal, keeping important elements of the existing structure while introducing upgrades that support how people use hospitality spaces today.

The aim was to make the hotel feel refreshed and more functional, while still recognisably the Union. The project also reflects the practical realities of regional hospitality, where buildings need to work hard and cater to different types of guests.

Spaces for accommodation, dining and socialising were reconsidered to improve the experience for visitors and locals alike, with an emphasis on flexibility, comfort and longevity. At the same time, the design had to respond to construction and operational needs, ensuring the hotel could continue to serve the community well into the future.

Ultimately, the Union Hotel is less about dramatic change and more about careful evolution. Porter Architects’ intervention respects the building’s history while helping it adapt to contemporary expectations, reinforcing its role as a familiar and important meeting place in Colac.

Architecture & Design: Can you describe the initial vision for this project and how it evolved over time?

Nathan Porter, Director at Porter Architects: The Union Hotel in Colac, Victoria is an old local institution that has had many lives over it’s 100 year existence. As always with old regional pub’s, it’s important to give the venue new life whilst making sure that everyone in the community feels welcome. This includes couples, families, younger people, older people, tradesmen, professionals, farming community, sporting/ community clubs, travellers and anyone else.

So architecturally it’s about keeping the soul of the pub, but giving it a fresh new life for many generations to enjoy. Over time, corresponding with the client, we built a brief that included an outdoor area that could be used all year round, a new warm dining area and a bar area. All these spaces needed to be flexible. Have the ability to have a small group gathering, larger groups and be adaptable for busier/ quieter times.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the design and construction phases, and how did you overcome them?

New works to old existing buildings always present challenges and have so many hoops to climb through. As soon as you deal with one, another presents itself, so it’s important to persevere. But the major hoop to climb through on this project was definitely fire. Such an important item to navigate.

The building was dated and built in another time which had accommodation on the first floor. In order to keep the accommodation upstairs we had to fire engineer a solution to satisfy the safety of the building. This included providing sprinklers throughout the whole builder which would have cost a small fortune and not complimented the aesthetic of the pub.

So, working closely with the fire engineer and building surveyor we were able to compartmentalise areas, include a detection system and provide fire retardant materials where necessary to limit fire spread. At times, it felt difficult to reach a palatable result cost wise and architecturally, but we got there.

How did you ensure that the project met the client’s needs and expectations?

As always with clients, it’s all about communication. Every client has different wants/ needs and listening is also extremely important. So by being very clear throughout each stage of the project and making sure their needs were met was central.

Sketch design decisions are very different to contract administration decisions so it’s so important to maintain strong communication throughout the whole project. No one likes being left in the dark or nasty surprises.

Were there any unique or innovative techniques or materials used in this project?

We love exploring materiality on our pub’s. Some of the materials explored on this project include a brass bar top that will age and wear over time. Other materials include the use of locally sourced timbers/ hardwoods for bar facade and flooring. Terrazzo floor tiles to wet areas. We also used a light grey brick outside in the beer garden which over time will balance nicely with all the landscaping.

How does this project fit into your broader portfolio and design philosophy?

Over time, we have worked on many regional pub’s throughout Victoria. During the past 15 years, we have refined the way we work on pub’s and developed an identity. Our pub’s always aim to welcome any one from any walk of life.

We aim to present our buildings that keep the soul of the old building and it’s journey whilst contemporising the venue. Our buildings always use warm local materials such as timbers, natural stones, metals and carefully chosen bricks. They always aim to be light and bright as older buildings can be dark. They aim to be useable all year round depending on location/ climate.

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